Nanny: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to a person, usually with professional training and long-term employment, who takes care of children in a household. Nannies often live with the family and may handle additional tasks like cooking and housekeeping.

• Our nanny has been taking care of the kids for three years now
• They really trust her

A broad term that can refer to any professional or organization that offers childcare services, including daycares, preschools, and in-home care. It is often used in formal or official contexts.

• The local childcare provider offers various educational programs for toddlers

Used for someone, generally hired on a short-term basis, who watches children for a few hours, often in the evenings. Babysitters are usually teenagers or young adults working part-time.

• We hired a babysitter for Friday night so we can go out for dinner

Refers to a young foreign person, often from a cultural exchange program, who lives with a family to provide childcare in exchange for room, board, and a small salary. This is often a temporary arrangement.

• We decided to host an au pair from France so our children could learn about a new culture