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

“My book tells me that it’s a grandfather clock,” explained C.C.

From Literature

In a statement, Carradine's family announced his death "with profound sadness", adding that the US actor was a "beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother".

From BBC

"The family are in distress. All they want is their father to be returned, their grandfather to be returned."

From BBC

With no holdback academies nearby, the family sent Mark to live with his grandfather in Southern California and to repeat eighth grade at Togethership.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now he’s set on expanding the business his grandfather founded in 1916 and returning it to growth mode.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ancestor
• grandpa
• patriarch