noun / verb / adjective
nanny
NAN-ee/ˈnæni/
A person employed to care for children.
Our nanny cares for the children while we are at work.
Etymology
The word comes from a widespread child’s term for a female adult other than the mother. Its childcare meaning specializes that familiar designation to a children’s nurse.
In context
With Leng Yan helping to take care of Xue er and her two children, it s much more cost-effective than hiring a postpartum nanny.
More examples
- They hire a live-in nanny to help with their twins.
- She nannies for a family with two young children.
- You don't need to nanny me; I can decide for myself.
Forms
nanny · nannies · nannied · nannying
Similar words
- babysitter
- Usually provides occasional or short-term childcare rather than ongoing care.
- caregiver
- May care for adults or children, with or without pay.