gran

IPA/ɡræn/
KK[ɡrˈæn]IPA/ɡræn/

gran — noun

  • gransingular
  • gransplural

1. an informal British word for 'grandmother', used when speaking about your own gr

1.nounA2
Definition

an informal British word for 'grandmother', used when speaking about your own grandmother or when calling her directly.

Example

My gran taught me how to bake her special apple pie.

possessive determiner + gran (reference use)

Gran, can you tell me a story before I go to bed?

direct address: Gran + question

Common collocations
  • my gran
  • her gran
  • his gran
  • Gran's house
  • visit gran
  • call gran
  • live with gran
Synonyms
  • grandma

    equally informal; more common in American English

  • nana

    another informal variant, used especially by young children

  • grandmother

    neutral and formal; suitable for any context

Grammar Patterns

possessive + gran

Gran (as name)

Usage Note

Primarily used in British English, where it is a warm, familiar term. The possessive form (my gran, her gran) is the most common pattern when referring to a specific person. As a form of address, Gran often takes the role of a name and is capitalised.

Common Mistakes

I wrote a letter to Gran in my English essay.
I wrote a letter to my grandmother in my English essay.
'Gran' is too informal for formal or academic writing.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All of these words refer to the mother of one's parent, but they differ in register and regional flavour. 'Grandma' is the most widespread informal term, used comfortably in both British and American English, while 'granny' often carries a slightly old-fashioned or affectionate tone, sometimes associated with rural or traditional settings. 'Nana' is another informal variant common in the UK and Australia, frequently used by young children. 'Grandmother' is the neutral, formal alternative — appropriate in writing, official contexts, or when the speaker does not have a close relationship. 'Gran' sits alongside 'granny' in British informality but feels more modern and less rustic. In practice, a British speaker might say 'I'm going to visit my gran this weekend' (neutral-familiar) but write 'my grandmother's birthday' in a formal greeting card.

grandma ↗granny ↗nana ↗grandmother ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • gran
  • Gran's house
  • Gran's kitchen
  • Gran's garden

Phrases

  • my gran
  • your gran
  • her gran
  • his gran
  • visit gran
  • see gran
  • call gran
  • stay with gran
  • live with gran
  • go to Gran's

Prepositions

  • with gran
  • at gran's
  • to gran

Etymology

Old FrenchOld EnglishEnglish

Gran is a shortened form of 'grandmother', created by clipping the first syllable. The word first appeared in British English around the early 19th century as a familiar family term. 'Grandmother' itself comes from Old French 'grand' (meaning 'big' or 'great') and Old English 'mōdor' (mother).