grandma
GRAN-mah
Grandma (noun) means an informal, affectionate word for grandmother. Example: “We go to see Grandma every Sunday for lunch.”
noun
1
An informal, affectionate word for grandmother.
"We go to see Grandma every Sunday for lunch."
"My grandma taught me how to knit when I was seven."
"Grandma always keeps cookies in the same tin."
How to use grandma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warm, everyday word for grandmother.
Common pairings
grandma's house
call grandma
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Word forms
- Plural
- grandmas
- Third person singular
- grandmas
- Past tense
- grandmaed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We go to see _____ every Sunday for lunch.
Etymology
A blend of "grand-" and "ma," modeled on "grandmother."
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
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