gram
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for gram, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram.
“The recipe calls for 200 grams of flour.”
2. noun
Informal word for grandmother.
“The kids spent the weekend at Gram's house.”
Opposites
How to use gram
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grams of sugar
chickpea gram
Etymology
From French gramme, from Ancient Greek gramma ("a small weight").
Full origin of gram →Frequently asked questions
What does “gram” mean?
The word “gram” means a metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram. In plain terms, the basic metric unit of weight, a type of legume, or an affectionate word for grandmother.
How do you pronounce “gram”?
“Gram” is pronounced GRAM (/ˈɡɹæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “gram” in a sentence?
Here is “gram” used in a sentence: “The recipe calls for 200 grams of flour.”
What part of speech is “gram”?
“Gram” is a noun.
Where does the word “gram” come from?
The word “gram” comes from Ancient Greek. From French gramme, from Ancient Greek gramma ("a small weight").
Is “gram” a common word?
“Gram” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “gram” have?
“Gram” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram.
What is the difference between a gram and a kilogram?
A gram is a metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram, so 1,000 grams make up one kilogram. Grams are used for measuring smaller masses, such as food ingredients, while kilograms are used for larger quantities, such as body weight.
Is 'gram' the food legume the same as 'chickpea'?
Gram is often used specifically to mean chickpeas or the plant grown for them, though the term can also apply more broadly to various edible legume seeds depending on region. In many contexts, "gram" and "chickpea" refer to the same seed.
Why is 'gram' sometimes used to mean grandmother?
"Gram" is an informal, affectionate shortening of "grandmother," similar to "gran" or "nana." This familial sense is unrelated to the metric unit of mass or the legume plant, and context makes clear which meaning is intended.
