grandma

noun

grand·​ma ˈgran(d)-ˌmä How to pronounce grandma (audio)
-ˌmȯ;
ˈgra-ˌmä How to pronounce grandma (audio)
-ˌmȯ
plural grandmas
informal
: the mother of one's father or mother : grandmother
We took the kids to visit their grandma and grandpa.
often used as a form of address
"Grandma," I said, "is trapping fish legal in this state?"Richard Peck

Examples of grandma in a Sentence

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.
This loving granddaughter should visit her grandma as much as possible. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 One time, a student even fanned her and remarked that she was used to seeing her grandma feeling the same way. Megan Myscofski, NPR, 1 July 2025 These fan-favorite Tommy Bahama sheets are so soft, comfortable, and cozy that, according to one five-star Amazon reviewer, nuzzling in them feels like sleeping over at grandma’s. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025 Ree has embraced her role as grandma to 6-month-old Sofia, and has noted the baby’s resemblance to Alex at that age. Erin Clements, People.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandma

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandma was in 1772

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Cite this Entry

“Grandma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandma. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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