Meaning & Definition of word "Grandfather"

Grandfather

/ˈɡræn(d)ˌfɑːðər/

noun:

  • 1. the father of one's father or mother.
    • Example: My grandfather fought in World War II.
  • 2. any ancestor in the direct line of descent or a male ancestor.
    • Example: He traced his roots back to a grandfather who immigrated from Ireland.
  • 3. an elderly man, especially one who is a senior family member.
    • Example: My grandfather enjoys telling stories from his childhood.

Etymology

Middle English grandfader, from grand- + father.

Common Phrases and Expressions

grandfather clause:

A provision that allows an old rule to continue to apply to certain cases, while new rules will apply to all future cases.

like grandfather, like grandson:

The resemblance between the two generations, indicating that children often take after their parents or grandparents.

Related Words

grandmother:

The mother of one's father or mother.

grandchild:

A child of one's son or daughter.

grandparent:

The parent of one's father or mother.

Slang Meanings of grandfather

Meaning: Pops

Example Sentence: Hey, Pops, can you tell me about the old days?

Meaning: Gramps

Example Sentence: Gramps always has the best stories to tell us.