grandma

noun

grand·​ma ˈgran(d)-ˌmä How to pronounce grandma (audio)
-ˌmȯ;
ˈgra-ˌmä How to pronounce grandma (audio)
-ˌmȯ
plural grandmas
informal
: the mother of one's father or mother : grandmother
We took the kids to visit their grandma and grandpa.
—often used as a form of address
"Grandma," I said, "is trapping fish legal in this state?"—Richard Peck

Examples of grandma 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.
What used to be grandma’s favorite food storage is now a cult collectible thanks to Pyrex and Corningware’s unique patterns. — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 My grandma restored furniture and owned a seamstress business. — Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026 With its linen shirts, aprons, head scarves, gold jewelry, retro prints, and effortless elegance, the Italian grandma look takes Mediterranean chic to a new, but more comfortable, level. — Lenny Coynault, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2026 This episode has some star power too; Jenifer Lewis and Henry Winklerguest star as Evie’s glamorous grandma, called Glammy, and Sam and Eddie’s Uncle Tony. — Sari Hitchins, Parents, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandma

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandma was in 1772

Browse Nearby Words

grandly
grandma
grand mal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandma. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grandma

Nglish: Translation of grandma for Spanish Speakers

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