American English

How to pronounce grandfather

noun · verbB1Common word
GRAANfahther

/ˈgɹænˌfɑ.ðɚ/

3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

the father of your mother or father

What to listen for

“Grandfather” is commonly pronounced /ˈgɹænˌfɑ.ðɚ/. Some speakers also pronounce the /d/: /ˈgɹænd̚ˌfɑ.ðɚ/.

Common pronunciation/ˈgɹænˌfɑ.ðɚ/
Pronunciation with /d//ˈgɹænd̚ˌfɑ.ðɚ/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

the father of your mother or father

My grandfather taught me to fish.

We visit our grandfather every Sunday.

Common phrases & grammar

maternal grandfather · paternal grandfather · visit your grandfather

[possessive adjective] + grandfather

the grandfather of + [person]

verbless common

to allow a person or group to keep following old rules when new rules replace them

Existing customers were grandfathered in under the old pricing plan.

The city grandfathered current restaurants in under the old permit rules.

Good to know

This verb is often used in the form “grandfathered in.”

Common phrases & grammar

grandfather existing customers · grandfather current employees · be grandfathered in

grandfather + [person/thing] + in

be + grandfathered + in + under + [old rules/plan]

Useful expressions

grandfather clock

a tall traditional clock with a pendulum inside

There is a grandfather clock in the hallway.

be grandfathered in

to be allowed to keep old rights or conditions under new rules

Existing members are grandfathered in under the old fee.

Related words & forms