grandchild: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighNeutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “grandchild” mean?
A child of one's own child.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A child of one's own child.
A descendant two generations removed; can be used metaphorically to describe something that is the conceptual or intellectual descendant of an earlier idea or creation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning. Minor differences exist in some compound terms (e.g., 'great-grandchild' is universal).
Connotations
Slightly more formal in tone than 'grandson/granddaughter' in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly less frequent in everyday speech than the gender-specific terms, but common in writing and formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “grandchild” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/welcomes/adores a grandchild.[Grandparent]'s grandchild [does something].For/to [Grandparent], the grandchild is...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grandchild” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. May appear in discussions of family-owned businesses or inheritance planning.
Academic
Used in sociology, demography, and anthropology studies on family structures and intergenerational relationships.
Everyday
Common in family conversations, announcements, and social settings.
Technical
Used in legal documents (wills, trusts) and genealogical records.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grandchild”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grandchild”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grandchild”
- Using 'grandchildren' as singular (e.g., 'He is my grandchildren').
- Confusing 'grandchild' with 'great-grandchild' (which is another generation removed).
- Misspelling as 'grand child' (should be one word or hyphenated: 'grand-child' is archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A grandchild is the child of your son or daughter. A great-grandchild is the child of your grandchild (three generations removed from you).
Yes, 'grandchild' is the gender-neutral term. For specifying gender, use 'grandson' (male) or 'granddaughter' (female).
No, the standard modern spelling is as one word: 'grandchild'. The hyphenated form 'grand-child' is considered archaic.
The collective plural is always 'grandchildren', e.g., 'They have three grandchildren: two grandsons and one granddaughter.'
A child of one's own child.
Grandchild is usually neutral to formal in register.
Grandchild: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡræn.tʃaɪld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræn(d).tʃaɪld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The apple doesn't fall far from the tree (used of grandchildren resembling grandparents).”
- “A grandchild's laughter is the best medicine.”
- “To be wrapped around a grandchild's little finger.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'grand' meaning 'big' or 'important' + 'child'. It's a 'big' (generationally removed) child in the family tree.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINEAGE IS A TREE (branch, offspring, fruit). LEGACY IS AN INHERITANCE (passing down).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct plural form?