nana
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for nana, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal word for grandmother.
Antonyms
Etymology
Formed by shortening banana, in the fruit sense; the "grandmother" sense is a separate, older baby-talk word found across many languages.
Full origin of nana →Frequently asked questions
What does “nana” mean?
The word “nana” means an informal word for grandmother. In plain terms, an affectionate, informal term for grandmother — also a shortened form of "banana" in casual British speech.
How do you pronounce “nana”?
“Nana” is pronounced NAH-nuh (/ˈnɑːnə/ in IPA).
How do you use “nana” in a sentence?
Here is “nana” used in a sentence: “Nana always bakes cookies when we visit.”
What part of speech is “nana”?
Depending on how it is used, “nana” can be a noun and a name.
Is “nana” a common word?
“Nana” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nana” have?
“Nana” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal word for grandmother.
What is the difference between nana and nanny?
"Nana" is an informal word for grandmother, used affectionately by family members, whereas "nanny" typically refers to a person, often a woman, employed to take care of children in their home. Although "nana" can also mean a nanny or child-minder in some regional usage, its primary meaning is grandmother.
Is nana used the same way in all English-speaking countries?
"Nana" is widely used as an informal term for grandmother across English-speaking countries, though in some regions it can also mean a nanny or child-minder. Regional variation means the exact sense can shift depending on local usage.
