grandparent

noun

grand·​par·​ent ˈgran(d)-ˌper-ənt How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
: a parent of one's father or mother
grandparental adjective
grandparenthood noun

Examples of grandparent 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.
Many may qualify through a parent, grandparent, or earlier direct ancestor born or naturalized in Canada. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 His early exposure to a plethora of music as a child, which started at his grandparents’ church, the Church of God, was the foundation. Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 23 June 2026 Dan fondly remembers summers swimming at the lake by their grandparents’ cabin and hiking on their trips to Alaska with Carla and his two younger brothers. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 The rest came from siblings, grandparents, extended family, peers and other community members, who all pitch in. Darby Saxbe, Fortune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandparent

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandparent was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandparent. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

grandparent

noun
grand·​par·​ent ˈgran(d)-ˌpar-ənt How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
-ˌper-
: a parent of one's father or mother

More from Merriam-Webster on grandparent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster