great-grandfather

American  

[greyt-gran-fah-ther, -grand-] / ˌgreɪtˈgrænˌfɑ ðər, -ˈgrænd- /

noun

1. a grandfather of one's father or mother.

---

Usage

What does great-grandfather mean? A great-grandfather is the father of a person’s grandparent (the grandfather of a person’s parent). When a father’s child has their own children, that father becomes a grandfather. When those children have their own children, he becomes a great-grandfather. Should great-grandfather be capitalized?Great-grandfather should be capitalized when it’s used as a proper name, as in Please tell Great-grandfather that I miss him. But great-grandfather does not need to be capitalized when it’s simply used as a way to refer to him, as in Please tell my great-grandfather that I miss him. Example: My kids were lucky enough to get to know three of their great-grandfathers.

Etymology

Origin of great-grandfather

First recorded in 1505–15

Example Sentences

"My great-grandfather was a steelworker, my grandfather was a steelworker, and then basically all my uncles from the next generation down were in the steelworks as well."

From BBC • May 31, 2026

In 1936, William and Harry’s great-grandfather George VI came to the throne after what threatened to be an existential crisis for the British crown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

His great-grandfather Thomas started the business in 1889 on the town's Green Street, before later moving to Dockhead Street.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

His great-grandfather played until his death at 98 last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

She was unwilling to criticize her grandfather, but what was she to do when her great-grandfather wanted her opinion?

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer