grammy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, journalistic, entertainment
Quick answer
What does “grammy” mean?
A major annual award given by the Recording Academy for outstanding achievement in the music industry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major annual award given by the Recording Academy for outstanding achievement in the music industry.
By extension, can refer to the trophy itself, the awards ceremony, or high prestige or validation in music. Occasionally used in other creative fields as a metaphor for the highest award.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The award is an American institution, so the term originates from and is most frequent in American English. UK usage is largely in reporting on the international music industry.
Connotations
Connotes industry recognition, prestige, and commercial success in popular music. In both varieties, it carries the same core meaning.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American media and conversation. In the UK, 'Brit Award' is the domestically dominant equivalent term.
Grammar
How to Use “grammy” in a Sentence
[Subject] win/receive/be awarded a Grammy (for [album/song])The Grammy for [category] goes to [recipient]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grammy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her Grammy-winning album topped the charts.
- He is a Grammy-nominated producer.
American English
- The Grammy-nominated artist gave a stellar performance.
- It was a Grammy-worthy song.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in music industry trade publications to denote commercial and critical success metrics.
Academic
Rare, except in studies of popular culture, awards, or the music industry.
Everyday
Common in discussions about music, celebrities, and awards shows.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grammy”
- Writing it in lowercase ('grammy').
- Using it as a verb (*'She grammied last year').
- Using plural incorrectly with 'award' (*'Grammys Awards').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The name comes from 'Gramophone', as the award is shaped like a gramophone (early record player). Its official name is the Gramophone Award.
No, it is not standard to use 'Grammy' as a verb. Use phrases like 'win a Grammy' or 'receive a Grammy' instead.
A Grammy is awarded by the American Recording Academy for global music, while a Brit Award is given by the British Phonographic Industry specifically for British and international music in the UK.
Yes, 'Grammys' is the accepted and widely used plural form (e.g., 'She has won three Grammys').
A major annual award given by the Recording Academy for outstanding achievement in the music industry.
Grammy is usually formal, journalistic, entertainment in register.
Grammy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡræmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Grammy-worthy (adj.)”
- “clean up at the Grammys (win many)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'gram' of gold for a golden record award, and the '-my' makes it personal, like 'my award'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RECOGNITION IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (TO BE WON/RECEIVED); PRESTIGE IS HEIGHT ('the pinnacle of music awards').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin and centre of usage for the term 'Grammy'?