noun Uncommon

gran

Gran (noun) means an informal, affectionate term for a grandmother. Example: “Gran always sends us a card on our birthdays.”

noun

An informal, affectionate term for a grandmother.

"Gran always sends us a card on our birthdays."

"She grew up living next door to her gran."

How to use gran

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cosy, everyday word for grandmother, common in British and Irish English.

UK vs US

Very common in the UK and Ireland; Americans more often say "grandma" or "gram."

Common pairings

visit gran gran's house my gran

Word forms

grans plural, grans plural, Grans plural

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_____ always sends us a card on our birthdays.

Etymology

A shortened, informal form of "granny," itself derived from "grandmother."

Synonyms

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grandmother grandma nan granny nanna grannie

Related words

anna Ann grandfather grandmother grandma Annie nan granny

Rhymes for gran

ran bran Fran Tran

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Frequently asked questions

What does “gran” mean?

The word “gran” means an informal, affectionate term for a grandmother. In plain terms, a cosy, everyday word for grandmother, common in British and Irish English.

How do you pronounce “gran”?

“Gran” is pronounced gran (/ɡɹæn/ in IPA).

How do you use “gran” in a sentence?

Here is “gran” used in a sentence: “Gran always sends us a card on our birthdays.”

What part of speech is “gran”?

“Gran” is a noun.

Is “gran” a common word?

“Gran” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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