grandfather

A grandfather and his granddaughter

Meanings

Noun

Verb

Related

Narrower meaning words

  • paternal grandfather
  • maternal grandfather

Broader meaning words

Origin

  • The noun is derived from Middle English grandfadre, graundfadir, graunfadir, grauntfader, and other forms, from graunt + fader, probably modelled after Middle French grandpere, grant pere (whence French grand-père); the English word is analysable as grand- + father. Superseded earlier eldfather, elderfather.
  • The verb is derived from the noun.
  • From grandfather clause: see grandfather (etymology 1) and clause.

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.