grandfather

1 of 2

noun

grand·​fa·​ther ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce grandfather (audio)
1
a
: the father of one's father or mother
2
grandfatherly adjective

grandfather

2 of 2

verb

grandfathered; grandfathering; grandfathers

transitive verb

: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Examples of grandfather in a Sentence

Noun this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers
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.
Noun
Visiting a seafood market is an essential part of any trip to Japan, and Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market is the grandfather of them all. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 But off to the side, Ricardo Mojica, a tall, silver-haired grandfather, quietly tried to talk to agents to find out what was happening with his son, who worked inside. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
Johnson said that the policy was sent to residents as a reminder and to offer them the ability to grandfather in pets who are over the weight limit. Nora O’Neill 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025 The House bill, introduced by GOP Reps. King and Roy Klopfenstein, would grandfather in those already here. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandfather

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandfather was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandfather. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

grandfather

1 of 2 noun
grand·​fa·​ther
ˈgran(d)-ˌfät͟h-ər
1
: the father of one's father or mother
2

grandfather

2 of 2 verb
grandfathered; grandfathering
: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Legal Definition

grandfather

transitive verb
grand·​fa·​ther
: to permit to continue under a grandfather clause
current residents will be grandfathered under the regulation
often used with in

More from Merriam-Webster on grandfather

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