# grams

/ˈɡɹæmz/ (US) · /ɡɹˈæmz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grams
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. units of weight

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

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

### 2. grandmothers

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

an informal name for grandmothers.

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

- Both of my grams are coming to my graduation party this weekend.
- In many households, the children refer to their maternal and paternal grandmothers as their grams to distinguish them from other relatives.

Teaching tip: This is a very informal term; 'grandmothers' is preferred in any professional or academic writing.

## Examples

- The recipe calls for fifty grams of sugar.
- You should measure the ingredients in grams to ensure the cake rises correctly every time.
- The laboratory scale is sensitive enough to detect differences of just a few milligrams, though most commercial products are measured in whole grams for consumer clarity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.