gram
GRAM
Gram (noun) means a metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram. Example: “The recipe calls for 200 grams of flour.”
noun
1
A metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram.
"The recipe calls for 200 grams of flour."
"The postal scale showed that the letter weighed just thirty grams."
"Add a few grams of salt to the dough and mix well."
2
A legume plant grown for its edible seeds, especially chickpeas, or the seeds themselves.
"Bengal gram is another name for chickpeas in South Asian cooking."
"Farmers in the region grow gram alongside wheat and millet."
"The cook ground the roasted gram into a fine flour for the curry."
3
Informal word for grandmother.
"The kids spent the weekend at Gram's house."
"I'm going to call Gram this evening to wish her a happy birthday."
"My gram taught me how to knit when I was eight."
How to use gram
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe basic metric unit of weight, a type of legume, or an affectionate word for grandmother.
UK vs US
Spelled "gramme" in older or more traditional British usage, though "gram" is now standard in both UK and US English.
Common pairings
grams of sugar
chickpea gram
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Word forms
- Plural
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The recipe calls for 200 _____ of flour.
Etymology
From French gramme, from Ancient Greek gramma ("a small weight").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for gram
See all rhymes for 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.
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