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

The two-time Oscar winner's upcoming film, A Visit To Grandpa's, follows a young boy who is sent to spend a summer with his eccentric grandfather on a Welsh farm, surprised by the adventures he finds.

From BBC

He is known to have only ever given a single interview, in 2021, with the sole purpose of paying tribute to his late grandfather.

From The Wall Street Journal

To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.

From Los Angeles Times

"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family."

From Barron's

Both of his grandfathers were small-business owners, and he spent his summers working for them as a landscaper and helping out with carpentry work.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ancestor
• grandpa
• patriarch