What does "astroturf" mean?
A synthetic material used in sports grounds as a durable substitute for natural grass.
Astroturf
/ˈæstɹoʊˌtɝf/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A synthetic material used in sports grounds as a durable substitute for natural grass.
- Grammar: astroturf is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: artificial, artificial turf, astroturf campaign, common.
- Useful contrasts: authentic, authentic public support, authentic support.
- Usage evidence: And then there's AstroTurf. Invented in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and patented by Monsanto in 1965, AstroTurf is the world's first synthetic turf used as a sports playing surface, coming to fame—and its name—when it was put into the Houston Astrodome in 1966.
How to use "astroturf"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "astroturf" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "astroturf" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "astroturf" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "artificial" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A synthetic material used in sports grounds as a durable substitute for natural grass. uncountable
"And then there's AstroTurf. Invented in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and patented by Monsanto in 1965, AstroTurf is the world's first synthetic turf used as a sports playing surface, coming to fame—and its name—when it was put into the Houston Astrodome in 1966."
- 2 Alternative spelling of AstroTurf. alt-of, alternative
- 3 Alternative spelling of AstroTurf. alt-of, alternative
- 4 Alternative form of Astroturf. US, alt-of, alternative, uncountable
- 5 A campaign designed to appear like a genuine popular (or grassroots) movement, that does not have such popular support. US
"An Astroturf campaign is a fake grassroots movement: it purports to be a spontaneous uprising of concerned citizens, but in reality it is founded and funded by elite interests. Some Astroturf campaigns have no grassroots component at all. Others catalyse and direct real mobilisations."
Verb
- 1 Alternative spelling of Astroturf. alt-of, alternative
- 2 To cover with an artificial grass-like material.
"But what was there left to Astroturf? The sitting-room? Hugh's bald patch?"
- 3 To fabricate an impression of political support for an agenda. lowercase, usually
"We have been Astroturfed by some of the biggest players in the business. As you will read in the coming pages, a reasonable-sounding group called Americans for Balanced Energy Choices spent us$40 million during the last presidential[…]"
Adjective
- 1 Of a group created by a larger organisation (especially a corporation or political party), but presenting itself as a grassroots organisation.
"Can we assure readers that astroturf letters will not appear as letters in The Star? Unfortunately, no. At least a dozen Web sites from which astroturf can be generated have been identified. Many more exist."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"And then there's AstroTurf. Invented in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and patented by Monsanto in 1965, AstroTurf is the world's first synthetic turf used as a sports playing surface, coming to fame—and its name—when it was put into the Houston Astrodome in 1966."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "astroturf"?
Common synonyms include: artificial, artificial turf, astroturf campaign, common, contrived, cover with synthetic turf.
How do you use "astroturf" in a sentence?
And then there's AstroTurf. Invented in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and patented by Monsanto in 1965, AstroTurf is the world's first synthetic turf used as a sports playing surface, coming to fame—and its name—when it was put into the Houston Astrodome in 1966.
How do you pronounce "astroturf"?
Pronounced /ˈæstɹoʊˌtɝf/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From astro- + turf, from its namesake trademark, in turn a reference to the Astrodome stadium in Houston, the first major sports venue to install artificial turf in 1966. The venue was named by its developer Roy Hofheinz, presumably a reference to the emerging identity of Houston as Space City. Originally marketed as ChemGrass.
Etymology 2
See AstroTurf and astroturfing.