noun
Uncommon
nana
NAH-nuh
Nana (noun) means an informal word for grandmother. Example: “Nana always bakes cookies when we visit.”
noun
1
An informal word for grandmother.
"Nana always bakes cookies when we visit."
2
A nanny or child-minder.
"The children's nana took them to the park every afternoon."
name
1
A female given name of Japanese origin.
How to use nana
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn affectionate, informal term for grandmother — also a shortened form of "banana" in casual British speech.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like nana.
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
- nanas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ always bakes cookies when we visit.
Etymology
Formed by shortening banana, in the fruit sense; the "grandmother" sense is a separate, older baby-talk word found across many languages.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for nana
See all rhymes for nana →Frequently asked questions
What does “nana” mean?
The word “nana” means an informal word for grandmother. In plain terms, an affectionate, informal term for grandmother — also a shortened form of "banana" in casual British speech.
How do you pronounce “nana”?
“Nana” is pronounced NAH-nuh (/ˈnɑːnə/ in IPA).
How do you use “nana” in a sentence?
Here is “nana” used in a sentence: “Nana always bakes cookies when we visit.”
What part of speech is “nana”?
Depending on how it is used, “nana” can be a noun and a name.
Is “nana” a common word?
“Nana” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nana” have?
“Nana” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal word for grandmother.
What is the difference between nana and nanny?
"Nana" is an informal word for grandmother, used affectionately by family members, whereas "nanny" typically refers to a person, often a woman, employed to take care of children in their home. Although "nana" can also mean a nanny or child-minder in some regional usage, its primary meaning is grandmother.
Is nana used the same way in all English-speaking countries?
"Nana" is widely used as an informal term for grandmother across English-speaking countries, though in some regions it can also mean a nanny or child-minder. Regional variation means the exact sense can shift depending on local usage.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include nana:
