Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

grandfather

American  
[gran-fah-ther, grand-] / ˈgrænˌfɑ ðər, ˈgrænd- /

noun

  1. the father of one's father or mother.

  2. a forefather.

  3. the founder or originator of a family, species, type, etc.; the first of one's or its kind, or the one being longest in existence.

    the grandfather of all steam locomotives.


verb (used with object)

  1. to exempt (something or someone) from new legislation, restrictions, or requirements.

    The law grandfathered all banks already operating at the time of passage. He was grandfathered into the pension plan.

grandfather British  
/ ˈɡrænd-, ˈɡrænˌfɑːðə /

noun

  1. the father of one's father or mother

  2. (often plural) a male ancestor

  3. (often capital) a familiar term of address for an old man

  4. dialect a caterpillar or woodlouse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of grandfather

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; grand-, father

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, his father, called Thomas like his great grandfather, became ill and he was asked to look after the shop for six months.

From BBC

“What my grandfather did was astronomical and to this day I’m in awe, and I like to honor him,” said Reese, who was 7 when Hershey bought the family business.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather," Sedaka's family posted on his Facebook page, describing him as a "true rock and roll legend."

From Barron's

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” the songwriter’s family wrote in a statement to the Times.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather," his family confirmed in a statement.

From BBC