grandma

noun

grand·​ma ˈgran(d)-ˌmä How to pronounce grandma (audio)
-ˌmȯ;
ˈgra-ˌmä How to pronounce grandma (audio)
-ˌmȯ
plural grandmas
informal
: the mother of one's father or mother : grandmother
We took the kids to visit their grandma and grandpa.
—often used as a form of address
"Grandma," I said, "is trapping fish legal in this state?"—Richard Peck

Examples of grandma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Packing the Cooler Packing up drinks and snacks for a picnic, beach day, or lake day is a big task, and little hands were called on to choose the must-haves (lest grandma risk a tantrum on location). — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 July 2026 Heeled loafers Loafers with a heel of any height is a grandma shoe with a lot of versatility. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 24 July 2026 Archie’s first birthday was celebrated with confetti, hats and his grandma Doria Ragland. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 The black sole gives them those grandma-footwear vibes, but the metallic pink strap offers a stylish edge. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandma

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandma was in 1772

Browse Nearby Words

grandly
grandma
grand mal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandma. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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