grandfather
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.
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.
Origin of grandfather
1Words Nearby grandfather
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use grandfather in a sentence
He rarely saw him or spoke to him when he was young, and his grandfather died while he was in college.
He knew his grandfather was a mob boss. But was that the whole story? | Joe Heim | February 12, 2021 | Washington PostDuring that time, his stepfather and both grandfathers died, and he had to clean out their homes, too.
How downsizing expert Matt Paxton helps Americans sort through their stuff | Jura Koncius | January 21, 2021 | Washington PostMany, many, many people on Twitter claimed Sanders as their uncle or grandfather.
The handwarming story of how Bernie Sanders got his inauguration mittens | Travis Andrews | January 21, 2021 | Washington PostIlya Samsonov’s grandfather loved the game, and in time, so did he.
Ilya Samsonov, the Caps’ present and future in goal, is ready for the spotlight | Samantha Pell | January 14, 2021 | Washington PostHer grandfather lived around the corner from my grandfather.
Earl Spencer adds, “Effectively, my great-grandfather sold his children to his father-in-law.”
The Real-Life ‘Downton’ Millionairesses Who Changed Britain | Tim Teeman | December 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHis grandfather, a pastor, had visited the church decades before—in the 1980s—when the church was popular within the community.
His great-grandfather, David Yellin, was a prominent Zionist scholar and Israeli pioneer.
Trans in the Holy Land: ‘Marzipan Flowers,’ Tal Kallai, and the Shattering of Israel’s LGBT Taboos | Itay Hod | November 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMeanwhile, his grandfather was named Marion—also the birth name of John Wayne.
‘Archer’ Season 6 Preview: Cast and Crew on Rebranding and Dropping ISIS | Marlow Stern | October 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMy grandfather lived fast and large—he liked his liquor and his tobacco, and he was also an ace gambler.
He grew very restless, for it was a long time before grandfather Mole appeared.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyBut she told grandfather Mole that it was all right—that she knew a person of his age ought not to go without his breakfast.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyAnd he had waited so long for grandfather Mole that he had begun to feel hungry again.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyOne thing was certain: grandfather Mole could travel much faster through the water than he could underground.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyThen Jimmy remembered suddenly that he had to meet grandfather Mole over there.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott Bailey
British Dictionary definitions for grandfather
/ (ˈɡrænˌfɑːðə, ˈɡrænd-) /
the father of one's father or mother
(often plural) a male ancestor
(often capital) a familiar term of address for an old man
dialect a caterpillar or woodlouse
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
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