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

His late grandfather is the all-time leader in NFL coaching victories.

From Los Angeles Times

Change in routine and care exacerbated underlying health conditions and at least two people we knew, including my late grandfather’s last living sibling, died after the evacuation.

From Los Angeles Times

A grandfather who died trying to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter in heavy seas in East Yorkshire is being considered for a royal bravery award, the BBC has learned.

From BBC

Her grandfather was a deacon and mother played an organ in the Presbyterian chapel.

From BBC

This isn’t your father’s or grandfather’s oil industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ancestor
• grandpa
• patriarch