Meaning & use

ground

noun·Everyday

The solid surface of the earth, especially the floor of an outdoor area.

See it in a sentence

Autumn leaves covered the ground beneath the old oak tree.

The fallen branch lay on the ground for weeks before anyone moved it.

A note on using this word

As an adjective, 'grounded' can mean practical and emotionally stable, or, for a child or aircraft, forbidden to leave.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To connect an electrical device to the earth for safety, or to prevent an aircraft, pilot, or child from leaving.

After breaking curfew twice, she was grounded for the rest of the month.

3. adjective

(informal) Sensible, practical, and emotionally stable despite pressure or success.

Despite her sudden fame, she stayed remarkably grounded and close to her old friends.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ground”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.