grandfather

1 of 2

noun

grand·​fa·​ther ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər 

1

a

: the father of one's father or mother

b

: ancestor sense 1a

2

: granddaddy sense 2

grandfatherly

ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər-lē 

adjective

grandfather

2 of 2

verb

grandfathered; grandfathering; grandfathers

transitive verb

: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Synonyms of grandfather

Noun

• father
• ancestor

Examples of grandfather in a Sentence

Noun

this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To Diana, who has taken over First Desk at the Park after last season’s events, River’s refusal to take bereavement leave gives her license to speak about his grandfather’s funeral arrangements with her usual cool formality. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026

Originally from outside of Columbus, Ohio, Rife was introduced to stand-up comedy by his late grandfather. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

In June, the NCAA passed a rule giving most players five years to finish five seasons of eligibility in college, but did not grandfather in the Class of ’22. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

The primary hope for opponents is that a compromise could be reached that would grandfather in those who have already submitted applications. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing grandfather

• grandfather clause
• grandfather clock

Rhymes for grandfather

• forefather
• godfather
• stepfather
• bother
• father

Kids Definition

grandfather

1 of 2 noun

grand·​fa·​ther ˈgran(d)-ˌfät͟h-ər 

1

: the father of one's father or mother

2

: ancestor sense 1

grandfather

2 of 2 verb

grandfathered; grandfathering

: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Legal Definition

grandfather

transitive verb

grand·​fa·​ther

: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

current residents will be grandfathered under the regulation

—often used with in