grandma

UK: ˈɡrænmɑː | US: ˈɡrænmɑː

Definition

  1. n. an informal term for one’s grandmother

Structure
grand <large, older>ma <mother>
Etymology

The word "grandma" is a contraction of "grandmother," formed by combining "grand" (from Old French "grant," meaning "large" or "superior") with "ma," a colloquial shortening of "mother." The term reflects familial affection and informality, evolving in English as a child-friendly or casual way to address or refer to one’s grandmother. The morpheme "grand" emphasizes generational seniority, while "ma" personalizes the relationship.

Examples

  1. My grandma bakes the best apple pie.

  2. We visit grandma every Sunday for lunch.

  3. Grandma told us stories about her childhood.

  4. I inherited this necklace from my grandma.

  5. Can grandma come to our school play?