grandparent

noun

grand·​par·​ent ˈgran(d)-ˌper-ənt How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
: a parent of one's father or mother
grandparental
ˌgran(d)-pə-ˈren-tᵊl How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
adjective
grandparenthood
ˈgran(d)-ˈper-ent-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
noun

Examples of grandparent 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.
Seven of my eight great-grandparents were murdered in the German death camps of Europe. — Anne Neuberger, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 The children's parents and two grandparents were charged with felony child endangerment, a prosecutor said. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Five others were born to immigrant parents and two others have immigrant grandparents or great-grandparents. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 After July 4, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 a year. — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandparent

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandparent was in 1574

Rhymes for grandparent

See All Rhymes for grandparent

Browse Nearby Words

grandpappy
grandparent
grandparenthood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandparent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grandparent

noun
grand·​par·​ent ˈgran(d)-ˌpar-ənt How to pronounce grandparent (audio)
-ˌper-
: a parent of one's father or mother

More from Merriam-Webster on grandparent

Nglish: Translation of grandparent for Spanish Speakers

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