granddaddy
noun
grand·dad·dy
ˈgran-ˌda-dē 
variants
or less commonly grandaddy
2
: one that is the first, earliest, or most venerable of its kind
Examples of granddaddy in a Sentence
the granddaddy of all English mystery novels
Recent Examples on the Web
The Mimslyn Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, is the granddaddy of all Luray lodging.
—
Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
And now the granddaddy tree belongs to the city.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
Every year since 2003, the umbrella organization for quizzing outfits around the globe has put on the granddaddy of knowledge competitions.
—Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
But for real chills and scares, the granddaddy The Blair Witch Project still is the crown jewel.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
And now the granddaddy tree belongs to the city.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
Every year since 2003, the umbrella organization for quizzing outfits around the globe has put on the granddaddy of knowledge competitions.
—Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
But for real chills and scares, the granddaddy The Blair Witch Project still is the crown jewel.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Cite this Entry
“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/granddaddy. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
