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

Noun

• ancestor
• father
• forebear
• forbear
• forebearer
• forefather
• primogenitor
• progenitor

Examples of grandfather in a Sentence

Noun

this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Jason Carter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his grandfather spent hours saying goodbye to his wife at the end of her life. —Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024

His 2023 comedy special, Matthew Steven Rife, is dedicated to his grandfather. —Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 11 May 2024

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

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