ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grams

n.
US //ˈɡɹæmz// UK //ɡɹˈæmz// grams
  1. 1 units of weight (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    the plural form of a gram, which is a small unit of weight in the metric system.

    the plural form of the SI unit of mass, equal to one one-thousandth of a kilogram.

    Example

    The recipe says you need two hundred grams of sugar for the cake.

    Example

    The laboratory scale is calibrated to measure substances to within a few milligrams, ensuring that even tiny amounts of grams are recorded accurately.

    Usage

    Often abbreviated as 'g' in recipes and scientific contexts.
    • g
  2. 2 grandmothers (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    an informal name for grandmothers.

    a colloquial or familiar term for grandmothers, often used within families.

    Example

    Both of my grams are coming to my graduation party this weekend.

    Example

    In many households, the children refer to their maternal and paternal grandmothers as their grams to distinguish them from other relatives.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very informal term; 'grandmothers' is preferred in any professional or academic writing.
    • grandmas
    • grannies
    • nanas
Etymology 1

From gram.

Etymology 2

Diminutive of grandmother.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026