Grandmother: meaning, definitions and examples

Formal situations or in written texts such as books or official documents.

• Her grandmother told her stories about the old days.
• He visited his grandmother every Sunday.

Casual and affectionate conversations, often used by children or within families.

• Grandma is baking cookies right now.
• Can we go see Grandma this weekend?

Commonly used in British English, informal and affectionate, often used by children or within families.

• Nan makes the best Sunday roast.
• We're having tea with Nan this afternoon.

Casual and affectionate, used by children or within families, similar to 'nan' but more commonly used in some regions or cultures.

• Nana is coming to visit us next week.
• I love spending time with my Nana.

Casual and affectionate, often used by children or in playful contexts, can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or playful tone.

• Granny is knitting a scarf for you.
• We are going to Granny's house for Christmas.

Duplicate entry; same context and examples as above.

• My grandmother tells wonderful stories about her childhood
• I spent the summer holidays with my grandmother

Used to describe an older woman in a respectful and more formal manner. Often used in public settings or when referring to someone not closely known.

• The elderly woman at the bus stop needed help with her bags
• There is an elderly woman who lives next door

Used to describe a woman who is the head of a family or tribe, especially one who is highly respected. Often used in discussions about family hierarchy or history.

• She is the matriarch of the family, and everyone turns to her for advice
• The matriarch of the tribe made important decisions for their community

Used to convey respect and admiration for an older woman's knowledge and experience. Often used in narratives, literature, or when speaking about mentors.

• The village turned to the wise woman for guidance
• She was considered a wise woman in her profession, always offering sound advice