grandparent

noun

grand·​par·​ent ˈgran(d)-ˌper-ənt How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
: a parent of one's father or mother
grandparental
ˌgran(d)-pə-ˈren-tᵊl How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
adjective
grandparenthood
ˈgran(d)-ˈper-ent-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
noun

Examples of grandparent 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.
Our Kids’ Climate (OKC) supports parents, grandparents and caregivers in over 50 countries to take action to protect children from the impact of the climate crisis. — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 His grandparents made amends by getting them genuine tickets for Liverpool’s game against Swansea the following month, when his favourite player Daniel Sturridge scored twice. — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The idea grew out of her nostalgia for childhood summers spent on her great-grandparents' farm. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 Despite its salaciousness, this genre of video has recruited many parents and grandparents, in particular, including Kathi Julison, the 78-year-old grandmother of 22-year-old Tessani Foster. — David MacK, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandparent

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandparent was in 1574

Rhymes for grandparent

See All Rhymes for grandparent

Browse Nearby Words

grandpappy
grandparent
grandparenthood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandparent. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grandparent

noun
grand·​par·​ent ˈgran(d)-ˌpar-ənt How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
-ˌper-
: a parent of one's father or mother

More from Merriam-Webster on grandparent

Nglish: Translation of grandparent for Spanish Speakers

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