grandfather

American  

[gran-fah-ther, grand-] / ˈgrænˌfɑ ðər, ˈgrænd- /

noun

1. the father of one's father or mother.

2. a forefather.

3. the founder or originator of a family, species, type, etc.; the first of one's or its kind, or the one being longest in existence.

   the grandfather of all steam locomotives.

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verb (used with object)

1. to exempt (something or someone) from new legislation, restrictions, or requirements.

   The law grandfathered all banks already operating at the time of passage. He was grandfathered into the pension plan.

grandfather British  

/ ˈɡrænd-, ˈɡrænˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. the father of one's father or mother

2. (often plural) a male ancestor

3. (often capital) a familiar term of address for an old man

4. dialect a caterpillar or woodlouse

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Etymology

Origin of grandfather

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; grand-, father

Example Sentences

"She always has been since we lost my grandfather, she's been in my home every single year," he said.

From BBC

Both have opted to skip college for a hands-on business course, soaking up whatever they can from their father and grandfather.

From Los Angeles Times

Both Hoy's father and grandfather have had prostate cancer.

From BBC

Mr Mohammed says that his father and grandfather had dug through these plots for decades but discovered nothing more that "dust and slivers of quartz".

From BBC

Ms James has had to borrow money from her 96-year-old grandfather to pay for a new phone for her son.

From BBC

Related Words

• ancestor
• grandpa
• patriarch