granddaddy

noun

grand·​dad·​dy ˈgran-ˌda-dē How to pronounce granddaddy (audio)
variants or less commonly grandaddy
Synonyms of granddaddynext
1
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
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.
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 This ain’t your granddaddy’s Spud. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 14 Jan. 2026 Horror anthologies are a tradition in British cinema, and this collection of bite-sized frights is the granddaddy of them all. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for granddaddy

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of granddaddy was in 1648

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/granddaddy. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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