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Nursemaid - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A nursemaid is a person, typically a woman, employed to care for young children in a household. She assists with feeding, bathing, and supervising the children under her charge.

nursemaid

/ˈnɜrsˌmeɪd/ /ˈnɜːsmeɪd/

Definition:

A woman employed to care for children in a household.

Synonyms:

nanny, governess, babysitter, childminder

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

employer, parent

Common Collocations:

nursemaid duties, nursemaid’s charge, hire a nursemaid

Derivatives:

nursemaiding, nursemaided

Usage Tips:

Use "nursemaid" to refer to a professional caregiver for children, often in historical or formal contexts.

Common Phrases:

nursemaid’s elbow, like a nursemaid, nursemaid’s tale

Etymology:

Derived from "nurse" (to care for) + "maid" (a female servant), first recorded in the 17th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The nursemaid sang lullabies to the baby.
  • 2. She hired a nursemaid to help with her twins.
  • 3. The old mansion had a kind nursemaid for the children.
  • 4. The nursemaid took the kids to the park every afternoon.

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