noun

grandma

An informal word for grandmother.

My grandma calls every Sunday to hear my news.

Etymology

The family prefix grand- adds a generation to ma, the familiar word for mother. The compound gives an affectionate or informal name for a grandmother.

More examples

  • We spend the afternoon baking cookies with our grandma.
  • Both of my grandmas live nearby.
  • She became a grandma when her daughter had a baby.

Forms

grandma · grandmas

Similar words

grandmother
The standard term, suitable for formal and informal contexts.
granny
Often sounds more affectionate or childlike than grandma.