noun

grandfather

The father of someone's parent.

My grandfather tells me stories about my mother's childhood.

Etymology

Grand- extends the parent relationship back one generation. A grandfather is therefore the father of either parent.

More examples

  • Her grandfather is her father's father.
  • Both of my grandfathers live nearby.
  • We visit our grandfather every Sunday.

Forms

grandfather · grandfathers

grandfatherly adjective — Kind or caring like a grandfather.

Similar words

grandpa
An informal, affectionate word for the same family relationship.
granddad
A familiar term often used when addressing a grandfather.