gram

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈgram How to pronounce gram (audio)
: any of several leguminous plants (such as a chickpea) grown especially for their seed
also : their seeds

gram

2 of 5

noun (2)

ˈgram How to pronounce gram (audio)
1
: a metric unit of mass equal to 1/1000 kilogram and nearly equal to the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density see Metric System Table
2
: the weight of a gram under the acceleration of gravity

gram

3 of 5

noun (3)

: grandmother

gram

4 of 5

abbreviation

grammar; grammatical

-gram

5 of 5

noun combining form

: drawing : writing : record
chronogram
telegram

Examples of gram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Learn how to measure flour the Test Kitchen way, and remember that dipping the measuring cup in the flour and scooping it out generally results in a 25-gram surplus of flour. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026 Weighing just 55 grams, the Razer Viper V3 Pro transitions effortlessly from detailed design projects and study sessions to competitive after-class gaming. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 In total, each antenna weighs a miniscule 5 ounces (142 grams). — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Authorities reportedly seized 70,114 ecstasy pills weighing about 26 kilograms (57 pounds) as well as 4 grams of methamphetamine. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gram

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

obsolete Portuguese (now spelled grão), grain, from Latin granum

Noun (2)

French gramme, from Late Latin gramma, a small weight, from Greek grammat-, gramma letter, writing, a small weight, from graphein to write — more at carve

Noun (3)

by shortening & alteration

Noun combining form

Latin -gramma, from Greek, from gramma

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1702, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gram was in 1702

Phrases Containing gram

Rhymes for gram

See All Rhymes for gram

Browse Nearby Words

gralloch
gram
-gram
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gram. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gram

1 of 2 noun
ˈgram
1
: a metric unit of mass equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀₀ kilogram and nearly equal to the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density see metric system
2
: the weight of a gram of mass

-gram

2 of 2 noun combining form
ˌgram
: drawing : writing : record
telegram
Etymology

Noun combining form

from Latin -gramma "piece of writing, record," derived from Greek gramma "letter," derived from graphein "to write" — related to graffito, grammar, -graph

Medical Definition

gram

noun
variants or chiefly British gramme
ˈgram How to pronounce gram (audio)
1
: a metric unit of mass equal to ¹/₁₀₀₀ kilogram and nearly equal to the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density
—abbreviation g
2
: the weight of a gram under standard gravity

More from Merriam-Webster on gram

Nglish: Translation of gram for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gram

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