grandmother

Definition

Your grandmother is the mother of your father or mother. People also often use it for an older woman in the family in a warm, familiar way.

Usage & Nuances

'Grandmother' is standard and a bit more formal than 'grandma' or 'granny'. In everyday speech, people often prefer 'grandma'. If you need to be specific, English can say 'maternal grandmother' or 'paternal grandmother', but usually context is enough.

Example Sentences