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noun Uncommon

gran

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

noun
1
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."
"I'm going to my gran's house for tea after school today."

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
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Word forms

Plural
grans
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Can you complete this real example?

_____ always sends us a card on our birthdays.

Etymology

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

Related words

Rhymes for gran

See all rhymes for gran →

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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