nan
Nan (noun) means an informal, affectionate word for one's grandmother, mainly used in Britain. Example: “We're visiting Nan on Sunday for lunch.”
How to use nan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cosy, informal British word for grandmother, also used as a nickname for Ann or Nancy.
Don't confuse with "naan," the flatbread — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Word forms
nans plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We're visiting _____ on Sunday for lunch.
Etymology
A pet form of the once-common female names Anne and Agnes; the grandmother sense likely came via "nanny" under the influence of "mama."
Frequently asked questions
What does “nan” mean?
The word “nan” means an informal, affectionate word for one's grandmother, mainly used in Britain. In plain terms, a cosy, informal British word for grandmother, also used as a nickname for Ann or Nancy.
How do you pronounce “nan”?
“Nan” is pronounced nan (/næn/ in IPA).
How do you use “nan” in a sentence?
Here is “nan” used in a sentence: “We're visiting Nan on Sunday for lunch.”
What part of speech is “nan”?
Depending on how it is used, “nan” can be a noun and a name.
Is “nan” a common word?
“Nan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nan” have?
“Nan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal, affectionate word for one's grandmother, mainly used in Britain.
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