granny
GRA-nee
Granny (noun) means an informal, affectionate word for grandmother. Example: “Granny knits a new scarf every winter.”
noun
1
An informal, affectionate word for grandmother.
"Travelling with their granny, who seems more interested in her crossword puzzle than them, they bicker and fight in a futile bid to get her attention. Oh, the joys of travelling during the school holidays!"
— Paul Bigland, From rural branches to high-speed arteries (2022)
"I'm going to be a granny."
"Granny knits a new scarf every winter."
adj
1
Old-fashioned in style, especially clothing associated with elderly women.
"She wore a pair of granny glasses she found at a vintage shop."
"granny dress; granny glasses"
How to use granny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cosy word for grandmother, or, as an adjective, describing something quaintly old-fashioned.
Common pairings
granny flat
granny glasses
granny knot
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like granny.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- grannies
- Third person singular
- grannies
- Past tense
- grannied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ knits a new scarf every winter.
Etymology
A diminutive built from "gran" plus the suffix "-y."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for granny
See all rhymes for granny →Frequently asked questions
What does “granny” mean?
The word “granny” means an informal, affectionate word for grandmother. In plain terms, a cosy word for grandmother, or, as an adjective, describing something quaintly old-fashioned.
How do you pronounce “granny”?
“Granny” is pronounced GRA-nee (/ˈɡɹæni/ in IPA).
How do you use “granny” in a sentence?
Here is “granny” used in a sentence: “Granny knits a new scarf every winter.”
What part of speech is “granny”?
Depending on how it is used, “granny” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “granny” a common word?
“Granny” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “granny” have?
“Granny” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal, affectionate word for grandmother.
Is "granny" a formal or informal word?
"Granny" is an informal, affectionate word for grandmother, used mainly in casual family conversation rather than formal writing. It conveys warmth and closeness rather than being a neutral or official term.
What does "granny" mean when used as an adjective, as in "granny style"?
As an adjective, "granny" describes something old-fashioned in style, especially clothing associated with elderly women, such as "granny glasses" or a "granny dress." This usage often has a slightly humorous or mildly dismissive tone about outdated fashion.
What is the difference between "granny" and "grandmother"?
"Grandmother" is the standard, neutral term, while "granny" is an informal, affectionate variant used mostly by family members or in casual speech. Both refer to the same person, but "granny" carries a warmer, more personal tone.
