Babysit: meaning, definitions and examples

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babysit

 

[ ˈbeɪbiˌsɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

child care

To babysit means to take care of a child or children temporarily. This typically involves supervising the child, ensuring their safety, and engaging them in activities while their parents or guardians are away. Babysitting can occur in the child’s home or the babysitter’s location and often takes place during evenings or weekends. Babysitters are usually paid for their services, and it is common for them to have some prior experience or training in child care.

Synonyms

care for, supervise, watch.

Examples of usage

  • I need someone to babysit my kids tonight.
  • She started babysitting her neighbor's children when she was sixteen.
  • He sometimes babysits for his cousin's baby.
  • Can you babysit while I go to the store?

Translations

Translations of the word "babysit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cuidar de crianças

🇮🇳 बच्चों की देखभाल करना

🇩🇪 Babysitten

🇮🇩 mengasuh anak

🇺🇦 доглядати за дітьми

🇵🇱 opiekować się dziećmi

🇯🇵 子守りをする

🇫🇷 faire du babysitting

🇪🇸 cuidar niños

🇹🇷 bebek bakmak

🇰🇷 아이를 돌보다

🇸🇦 رعاية الأطفال

🇨🇿 hlídat děti

🇸🇰 opatrovať deti

🇨🇳 照顾孩子

🇸🇮 varstvo otrok

🇮🇸 barnapass

🇰🇿 балаларға қарау

🇬🇪 ბავშვების მოვლა

🇦🇿 uşaqlara baxmaq

🇲🇽 cuidar niños

Etymology

The term 'babysit' originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It combines the word 'baby', which has Old English origins, denoting a very young child, and the verb 'sit', which in this context means to take care of or supervise. The practice of babysitting likely became more common as families sought outside help to care for their young children, especially as mothers began to enter the workforce. Over the years, the idea of babysitting has evolved, with many parents seeking sitters not only for child supervision but also for engaging children in fun and educational activities. The profession has since become a popular way for teenagers and young adults to earn income while gaining experience in childcare.