What does grandchildren mean?
Grandchildren are the children of one's children. The word is the conventional plural of grandchild and can refer to several such children collectively or to particular grandchildren in a family. It is used in everyday conversation as well as in formal writing, genealogy, history, and discussions of family relationships. Grandchildren can evoke affection, continuity, family pride, and the passing of knowledge or traditions between generations, although the term itself is neutral rather than sentimental. The related singular form is grandchild, while the informal alternative grandkids is also widely understood. Grandchildren may be distinguished from descendants more broadly, who include children, grandchildren, and later generations, and from great-grandchildren, who belong to a still more distant generation.
nounThe children of one's children. The word is the standard plural of grandchild and may refer to grandchildren collectively or to several individual grandchildren.
- The plural of grandchild: the children of one's children, collectively or as several individuals.
"Her grandchildren visit every summer, and they have become close companions."
"The couple divided their estate equally among their four grandchildren."
"Stories about family history often include accounts of grandparents, parents, and grandchildren."
The standard plural of grandchild, with the irregular change from child to children.
"Their grandchildren live in three different countries."
Grandchildren are the living proof that time can turn a house full of toys into a full circle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of grandchildren
Grandchildren is an English compound formed from grand and child. The element grand in words such as grandfather and grandmother comes through French and ultimately Latin, where it conveys the sense of a greater generation, while child descends from Old English. The corresponding singular, grandchild, is the older form from which the modern plural was developed.
How grandchildren is actually used
The term is neutral in register and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. "Grandkids" is a familiar alternative, while "grandchildren" is the standard written form.
Easily confused with grandchildren
A grandchild is one child of one's child, while grandchildren is the usual plural when referring to several such children.
Grandparents are the parents of one's parents, whereas grandchildren are the children of one's children.