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nana

American  
[nan-uh] / ˈnæn ə /

noun

  1. Chiefly Northeastern U.S. grandmother; grandma.

  2. Gulf States. godmother.

  3. Chiefly Southeastern U.S. a child's nursemaid; nanny.


nana British  
/ ˈnɑːnə /

noun

  1. slang a fool

  2. slang the head

  3. slang to become very angry

  4. slang mad; insane

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of nana

1835–45; nursery word; nanny

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"In conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder," former president Nana Akufo-Addo said at Wonder's 2024 ceremony, "we not only extend our warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa but also reaffirm our belief in the enduring spirit of pan-Africanism and the global African family".

From BBC

“Cool! Me too! I mean, my nana lives here, but I’m volunteering for the summer. I’m kind of the activities coordinator.”

From Literature

“You can have my lasagna, Nana,” Maya-Jade replied, pushing her plate to her grandmother, whose own meal was only half eaten.

From Literature

“Nana says Mr. Kravitz is a hundred and seven,” Maya-Jade continued.

From Literature

“Nana says he’s from Poland, and if he’s a hundred and seven, he lived through the Holocaust. So, what do you think?”

From Literature