ground

The word “ground” means the solid surface of the earth. In plain terms, the earth's surface, a reason for something, or (as a verb) to stop someone going out, connect to earth electrically, or stop a plane from flying.

“Ground” is pronounced grownd (/ɡɹaʊnd/ in IPA).

Here is “ground” used in a sentence: “Leaves covered the ground after the storm.”

Words with a similar meaning to “ground” include earth.

Depending on how it is used, “ground” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.

The word “ground” comes from Old English. From Old English grund, related to Dutch grond and German Grund, all meaning the earth's surface or a foundation.

“Ground” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Ground” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the solid surface of the earth.

Ground is the natural solid surface of the earth, found outdoors — grass, soil, or pavement beneath your feet. A floor is the built surface inside a room or structure. So you stand on the ground in a park but on the floor at home. Outdoors it's ground; indoors it's usually the floor.

Ground is the solid surface of the earth in general — the firm area you walk on. Soil is specifically the loose upper layer of earth in which plants grow. Soil is a material you can dig up and hold; ground is the broader surface, which may be soil, rock, sand, or paving.

You might say 'the climbers were glad to be back on solid ground,' or 'she dropped her keys on the ground.' In both, ground means the earth's surface beneath you. The word also appears in phrases like 'stand your ground' and 'break ground,' which stretch the idea into figurative use.