ground floor

noun

1. the floor of a building at or nearest to ground level.

2. Informal.,  an advantageous position or opportunity in a business matter, especially in a new enterprise.

   She took the job in the new company because she wanted to get in on the ground floor.

ground floor

noun

1. the floor of a building level or almost level with the ground

2. informal

   1. to enter a business, organization, etc, at the lowest level

   2. to be in a project, undertaking, etc, from its inception

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground floor¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

The upcoming exhibition at the Broad will feature 120 pieces of work, including sculpture, photography, painting, drawing and other ephemera, occupying the entire 10,000-square-foot ground floor.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of the ground floor of the restaurant was damaged by the flames, which were extinguished by 22:30.

From BBC

They also argued that the site would not have enough parking and that planned rooftop gardens would not meet the city’s landscaping requirements because they would not be on the ground floor.

From Los Angeles Times

Two staircases from the ground floor linked Neeraj's rooms to the open gallery and waiting hall of his private clinic, where half a dozen staff bustled between the lab and the medical store.

From BBC

In addition to 450 square feet of balcony space on the second floor, the terrace adds an additional 650 square feet of shaded outdoor space on the ground floor.

From Los Angeles Times