grandfather

1 of 2

noun

grand·​fa·​ther ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce grandfather (audio)
1
a
: the father of one's father or mother
2
grandfatherly adjective

grandfather

2 of 2

verb

grandfathered; grandfathering; grandfathers

transitive verb

: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Examples of grandfather in a Sentence

Noun this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Against this tumultuous backdrop, Lebanese wine women—particularly second or third generation daughters of winery owners—have begun to take the leadership reins from their fathers and grandfathers. Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 3 Oct. 2024 Growing up on different coasts around the world, Khawaja loved to fish with his father and grandfather. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
Alarmingly, the proposal would not grandfather in any existing systems, meaning all OUC solar customers will be forced onto this unfair rate plan. Chelsea Rivera, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2024 Commissioners went a step further and voted to grandfather in commercial projects that are in development review. Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grandfather 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grandfather.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandfather was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near grandfather

Cite this Entry

“Grandfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandfather. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

grandfather

1 of 2 noun
grand·​fa·​ther
ˈgran(d)-ˌfät͟h-ər
1
: the father of one's father or mother
2

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

More from Merriam-Webster on grandfather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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