What does grandchild mean?
Grandchild is a common English noun for a child of one's child. It is used when speaking to or about a grandparent, and it can refer to either a grandson or a granddaughter. The word is especially associated with family relationships, family histories, and the exchange of experiences across generations. Because it does not specify sex or gender, it is useful in general or inclusive contexts, although grandson and granddaughter may be preferred when gender is relevant. The plural is grandchildren, and both singular and plural forms are countable. Grandchild can be used formally or informally, with its tone determined largely by the surrounding context: it may sound affectionate in personal conversation, descriptive in biographical writing, or neutral in educational and historical discussions. The word’s formation also makes its meaning transparent, combining the familial prefix grand- with child.
nounA child of one's child; a grandson or granddaughter.
- A child of one's child; a grandson or granddaughter.
"She spent the afternoon telling stories to her grandchild."
"My grandchild is starting school this autumn."
"The photograph shows a grandfather surrounded by his grandchildren."
The standard plural of grandchild is children, with the form changing from grand- + child to grand- + children.
"Their grandchildren live in several different countries."
A grandchild is literally a child two generations removed from the family line.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grandchild come from?
Grandchild is a compound formed from grand and child. The element grand comes through Anglo-French from Latin grandis, meaning “large” or “great,” while child descends from Old English cild. Related family compounds, including grandfather, grandmother, grandparent, granddaughter, and grandson, have been developed on the same pattern in English.
Related word forms
How grandchild is actually used
Neutral and widely used in family, personal, and educational contexts. The singular can refer to either a male or female child of one's child, while the gender-specific forms grandson and granddaughter are used when that distinction matters.