grandma
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for grandma, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal, affectionate word for grandmother.
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.
How to use grandma
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A blend of "grand-" and "ma," modeled on "grandmother."
Full origin of grandma →Frequently asked questions
What does “grandma” mean?
The word “grandma” means an informal, affectionate word for grandmother. In plain terms, a warm, everyday word for grandmother.
How do you pronounce “grandma”?
“Grandma” is pronounced GRAN-mah (/ˈɡɹænmɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “grandma” in a sentence?
Here is “grandma” used in a sentence: “Grandma always keeps cookies in the same tin.”
What part of speech is “grandma”?
“Grandma” is a noun.
Is “grandma” a common word?
“Grandma” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between "grandma" and "grandmother"?
"Grandma" is an informal, affectionate word for a grandmother, used in everyday family speech. "Grandmother" is the more formal and neutral term, preferred in writing and formal contexts.
What is the difference between "grandma" and "grandpa"?
"Grandma" is an informal, affectionate word for a grandmother, a parent's mother, while "grandpa" is the matching informal word for a grandfather, a parent's father. Both are used warmly within families.
Should "grandma" be capitalised?
Capitalise "Grandma" when it is used as a name or in direct address, as in "Thanks, Grandma." Use lowercase when it follows a possessive or an article, as in "my grandma" or "her grandma."
What are some other informal words for "grandma"?
Affectionate alternatives include "granny," "nan," "nana," and "gran," which vary by family and region. All are informal words for a grandmother, just like "grandma" itself.