baby-sitter

UK: ˈbeɪbiˌsɪtə | US: ˈbeɪbiˌsɪtər

Definition

  1. n. a person employed to care for children while the parents are away

  2. v. (rare) to work as a baby-sitter

Structure
baby <infant>sit <to care for>er <agent suffix>
Etymology

The term "baby-sitter" emerged in early 20th-century American English, combining "baby" (from Middle English babie, imitative of infant speech) and "sitter" (from Old English sittan, "to sit or keep watch"). The compound reflects the role’s core function: an adult who "sits with" or supervises children. The "-er" suffix denotes the person performing the action. Unlike formal "nurse" or "governess," this colloquialism highlights informal, temporary care.

Examples

  1. The baby-sitter read bedtime stories to the children.

  2. She baby-sits for her neighbors every weekend.

  3. Parents should interview potential baby-sitters thoroughly.

  4. He earned extra money as a baby-sitter in college.

  5. The baby-sitter prepared snacks and played games with the kids.