grandfather

1 of 2

noun

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

grandfather

2 of 2

verb

grandfathered; grandfathering; grandfathers

transitive verb

: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Synonyms of grandfather

Relevance

Noun

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Examples of grandfather in a Sentence

Noun this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers
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.
Noun
His current opponent, Scott Brown, is a grandfather who says that role gives him an edge. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Previous male members of the British royal family — including William’s father and grandfather Prince Philip — attended Gordonstoun in the Scottish Highlands, known for its strict discipline and rigorous demands of students. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
In June, the NCAA passed a rule giving most players five years to finish five seasons of eligibility in college, but did not grandfather in the Class of ’22. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The primary hope for opponents is that a compromise could be reached that would grandfather in those who have already submitted applications. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandfather

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

Phrases Containing grandfather

Rhymes for grandfather

See All Rhymes for grandfather

Browse Nearby Words

grandezza
grandfather
grandfather's-beard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandfather. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grandfather

1 of 2 noun
grand·​fa·​ther ˈgran(d)-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce grandfather (audio)
1
: the father of one's father or mother
2
: ancestor sense 1

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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