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.
Nana’s Marinated Pea Salad Southern grandmas know that a spoonful of marinated peas on top of collard greens makes for a delicious bite! — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026 Before working next door my mom,grandma would go for lunch twice a week. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 After all those years of just my grandma and my momma and my sisters. — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Bauer’s granddaughter, Amelia Bauer, 33, said birthday plans for her grandma include spending the afternoon outside with neighbors and friends. — Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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