grandpapa

American  

[grand-puh-pah, gran-pah-puh, grand-, gram-] / ˈgrænd pəˌpɑ, ˈgrænˌpɑ pə, ˈgrænd-, ˈgræm- /

noun

Informal.

1. grandfather.

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Usage

What does grandpapa mean? Grandpapa is an informal word for grandfather—the father of a person’s parent. A much more common synonym is grandpa. The word papa is an informal way to say father and is much more commonly used. Grandpapa should be capitalized when it’s used as a proper name, as in Please tell Grandpapa that I miss him. But grandpapa does not need to be capitalized when it’s simply used as a way to refer to him, as in Please tell my grandpapa that I miss him. Example: It doesn’t matter what you call your grandpapa, as long as you call him.

Etymology

Origin of grandpapa

First recorded in 1745–55; grand- + papa

Example Sentences

When asked how she would feel if he were replaced by a badger, she said: "Well, lucky badger or lucky grandpapa", adding that a suitable substitute should be a very brave and courageous animal.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

And grandpapa would go up to the market when pineapple came into season, he would come home and he couldn't wait to get the house.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2020

“I think history will prove my grandpapa to be right under the circumstances. And I think I will prove to be right.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 5, 2019

For lunch, pupils are promised freshly cooked meals which, whenever possible, include organic meat, vegetables and dairy, all of which grandpapa Charles will undoubtedly approve.

From The Guardian • Sep. 7, 2017

When Smiler moved on they set up a shout, and grandpapa himself came out to see what was doing.

From The Pleasures of the Country Simple Stories for Young People by Myrtle, Harriet