noun
nan
nan
noun
1
An informal, affectionate word for one's grandmother, mainly used in Britain.
"We're visiting Nan on Sunday for lunch."
name
1
A short, informal form of the given names Ann and Nancy.
How to Use Nan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cosy, informal British word for grandmother, also used as a nickname for Ann or Nancy.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "naan," the flatbread — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
naan
Word Forms
nans plural
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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."