Nursemaid: meaning, definitions and examples
👶
nursemaid
[ ˈnɜːrsmɛɪd ]
childcare
A nursemaid is a person, often a woman, employed to take care of children, particularly in the absence of their parents. Traditionally, nursemaids were responsible for not only looking after the children but also providing education and moral guidance. They were often considered part of the household staff and played an important role in family dynamics. The term can also refer to a governess or tutor in some contexts.
Synonyms
babysitter, caretaker, childminder, nanny
Examples of usage
- The nursemaid took the children to the park.
- In the Victorian era, many families employed a nursemaid.
- The nursemaid read stories to the children before bed.
Translations
Translations of the word "nursemaid" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ama de leite
🇮🇳 नर्समेड
🇩🇪 Kindermädchen
🇮🇩 pengasuh
🇺🇦 няня
🇵🇱 niania
🇯🇵 乳母
🇫🇷 nourrice
🇪🇸 nodriza
🇹🇷 ebe
🇰🇷 유모
🇸🇦 مربية
🇨🇿 chůva
🇸🇰 chůva
🇨🇳 奶妈
🇸🇮 dojenčar
🇮🇸 vögg
🇰🇿 балабақша тәрбиешісі
🇬🇪 ძიძა
🇦🇿 uşaq baxıcısı
🇲🇽 nodriza
Etymology
The term 'nursemaid' originates from the combination of 'nurse' and 'maid', with 'nurse' deriving from the Latin word 'nutrix', meaning 'to nourish'. Historically, nursemaids were vital in affluent households, especially in Europe, where they would care for young children, often accompanying them on outings. By the 19th century, the role became more defined, with nursemaids expected to provide not only care but also education for the children. As societies evolved, the position of the nursemaid began to decline with the rise of modern childcare options, yet the foundational concept of a caregiver for children remains prevalent.