grandmotherly

[gran-muhth-er-lee, grand-, gram-]

adjective

of or characteristic of a grandmother.

Origin of grandmotherly

First recorded in 1835–45; grandmother + -ly

Related formsgrand·moth·er·li·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for grandmotherly

Contemporary Examples of grandmotherly

A warm, grandmotherly presence in a traditional lappa dress, she has been practicing at least since the 1970s.
How a GOP Win Could Spell the End of Reproductive Health for Global Women
Michelle Goldberg
February 3, 2012

Historical Examples of grandmotherly

Meantime, grandmotherly interference had better let it alone.
Mr. Punch's History of Modern England Vol. III of IV
Charles L. Graves
There are tears in her voice—simple, old-womanish, grandmotherly tears.
The Old House and Other Tales
Feodor Sologub
He was said to have a grandmotherly appearance; that is why he received the former name.
The Home of the Blizzard
Douglas Mawson
She had put on her best company manner and grandmotherly speech.
Anxious Audrey
Mabel Quiller-Couch
Might not he—related, yet free of grandmotherly tyranny—somehow be able to help?
Far to Seek
Maud Diver

British Dictionary definitions for grandmotherly

grandmotherly

adjective

of, resembling, or suitable to a grandmother, esp in being protective, indulgent, or solicitous

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

Word Origin and History for grandmotherly

adj.

1842, from grandmother + -ly (1).