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View synonyms for grandfather

grandfather

[ gran-fah-ther, grand- ]

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

/ ˈɡrænˌfɑːðə; ˈɡrænd- /

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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of grandfather1

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

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Example Sentences

Earl Spencer adds, “Effectively, my great-grandfather sold his children to his father-in-law.”

His grandfather, a pastor, had visited the church decades before—in the 1980s—when the church was popular within the community.

His great-grandfather, David Yellin, was a prominent Zionist scholar and Israeli pioneer.

Meanwhile, his grandfather was named Marion—also the birth name of John Wayne.

My grandfather lived fast and large—he liked his liquor and his tobacco, and he was also an ace gambler.

He grew very restless, for it was a long time before Grandfather Mole appeared.

But she told Grandfather Mole that it was all right—that she knew a person of his age ought not to go without his breakfast.

And he had waited so long for Grandfather Mole that he had begun to feel hungry again.

One thing was certain: Grandfather Mole could travel much faster through the water than he could underground.

Then Jimmy remembered suddenly that he had to meet Grandfather Mole over there.

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grandfamilygrandfather clause