Grandfather — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər/ grand·fa·ther

Meaning & Definition of Grandfather

Grandfather (noun)

  1. the father of one's father or mother
  2. ancestor
  3. granddaddy

Grandfather (verb)

  1. to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

Grandfather (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent

    "this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers"

    similar: ancestor, father, forebear, forebearer, forefather, primogenitor, progenitor
    related: antecessor, predecessor (archaic), ancestress, foremother, grandmother, matriarch, grandsire (archaic), patriarch, sire (archaic), ancestry, antecedents, roots
    opposite: descendant
    near: children, family, issue, lineage, offspring, posterity, progeny, seed, stock, daughter, heir, inheritor, scion, son, successor

Related Entry: Grandfather clock (noun)

Grandfather clock is a different word from Grandfather. The synonyms below are for grandfather clock, not for grandfather.

  1. as in alarm clock, atomic clock

    similar: alarm clock, atomic clock, cuckoo clock, time clock, chronometer, clock, timekeeper, timepiece, timer, clepsydra, hourglass, sandglass, sundial, water clock, chronograph, stopwatch, watch

Related Entry: Grandfather clocks (noun)

Grandfather clocks is a different word from Grandfather. The synonyms below are for grandfather clocks, not for grandfather.

  1. as in alarm clocks, atomic clocks

    similar: alarm clocks, atomic clocks, cuckoo clocks, time clocks, chronometers, clocks, timekeepers, timepieces, timers, clepsydras, hourglasses, sandglasses, sundials, water clocks, chronographs, stopwatches, watches

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Grandfather

The most common words with a similar meaning to Grandfather:

ancestor, father, forebear, forebearer, forefather, primogenitor, progenitor

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Grandfather

Words with the opposite meaning of Grandfather:

descendant

Related Words for Grandfather

antecessor, predecessor, ancestress, foremother, grandmother, matriarch, grandsire, patriarch, sire, ancestry, antecedents, roots

Near Antonyms of Grandfather

children, family, issue, lineage, offspring, posterity, progeny, seed, stock, daughter, heir, inheritor, scion, son, successor

Word Forms of Grandfather

Inflections: grandfathered, grandfathering, grandfathers

Derived words: grandfatherly (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Grandfather

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Grandfather

Words & Phrases Containing Grandfather

grandfather clock, grandfather clause

Frequently Asked Questions about Grandfather

What does "Grandfather" mean?

"Grandfather" means the father of one's father or mother. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the father of one's father or mother.

What is another word for "Grandfather"?

Other words for "Grandfather" include ancestor, father, forebear, forebearer, forefather, primogenitor and progenitor. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Grandfather" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Grandfather"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Grandfather". Common alternatives include ancestor, father, forebear, forebearer, forefather, primogenitor and progenitor.

What is the opposite of "Grandfather"?

Antonyms of "Grandfather" include descendant. Near antonyms include children, family, issue and lineage.

How do you use "Grandfather" in a sentence?

Examples of "Grandfather" in a sentence: "this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers".

Is "Grandfather" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Grandfather" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Grandfather" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Grandfather" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Grandfather"?

"Grandfather" is pronounced /ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər/ and divided into syllables as grand·fa·ther.