Search Dictionary
Definition of ground

ground

/ɡraʊnd/
ground

Plural:grounds
•
Past Simple:grounded
•
Past Participle:grounded
•
Present Participle:grounding
JUMP TO:

ground Lexical Profile

ground Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The solid surface of the earth.

Example

"The autumn leaves detached from the branches and drifted slowly to the ground."


2

An underlying reason, basis, or justification for a belief, action, or argument (often used in the plural).

Example

"The attorney requested that the case be dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence."


3

A designated area of land or enclosed space used for a particular purpose, such as sports or recreation.

Example

"The university constructed a state-of-the-art sports ground for its athletic teams."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ground

• verb

1

To prohibit a person, aircraft, or vessel from operating or moving freely (especially to restrict an aircraft from flying or to confine a teenager to their home as punishment).

Example

"The aviation authority decided to ground all flights departing from the city due to the severe blizzard."


2

To provide a basic foundation, context, or firm justification for a theory, principle, or belief.

Example

"The author takes great care to ground her philosophical arguments in empirical science."


3

To connect an electrical circuit or device safely to the earth.

Example

"An electrician must properly ground the electrical outlet to prevent the risk of a severe shock."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ground
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ground

Word Nuance & Usage

The word 'ground' operates as a standalone noun, verb, and adjective, but it frequently causes morphological confusion because it is also the irregular past tense and past participle of the verb 'grind' (e.g., 'ground coffee').

• Rhymes for ground

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'grund' meaning bottom, foundation, or the surface of the earth, of Germanic origin. It is related to Dutch 'grond' and German 'Grund'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ground. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ground
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.