grandmother
UK: ˈɡræn(d)ˌmʌðə | US: ˈɡræn(d)ˌmʌðər
n. the mother of one’s father or mother; a female ancestor in the direct line.
The word "grandmother" combines "grand," derived from Old French grant (meaning "great" or "senior"), with "mother," from Old English mōdor. The prefix "grand-" was adopted in Middle English to denote familial seniority (e.g., grandfather, grandchild). This reflects a hierarchical naming tradition where "grand" emphasizes generational distance, distinguishing immediate parents from ancestors. The term has retained its structure and meaning since the 15th century.
My grandmother bakes the best apple pie.
She inherited a necklace from her grandmother.
Grandmothers often share stories about family history.
We visit our grandmother every summer.
Her grandmother taught her how to knit.