grandchild

UK: ˈɡræntʃaɪld | US: ˈɡrænˌtʃaɪld

Definition

  1. n. the child of one's son or daughter

Structure
grand <older generation>child <offspring>
Etymology

The word "grandchild" combines "grand," derived from Latin grandis (meaning "great" or "large"), with "child," from Old English cild (meaning "young person"). The term reflects a hierarchical family structure, where "grand" denotes a generational leap (e.g., grandparents → parents → children). This compounding pattern is common in English kinship terms (e.g., grandfather, granddaughter).

Examples

  1. She loves spending weekends with her grandchild.

  2. His grandchild just started kindergarten.

  3. The photo album is filled with pictures of her grandchildren.

  4. They celebrated their 50th anniversary surrounded by children and grandchildren.

  5. As a grandchild, he inherited his grandfather’s watch.