housekeeper
UK: ˈhaʊsˌkiːpə | US: ˈhaʊsˌkiːpər
n. a person employed to manage household chores and maintenance
n. (historical) a steward or manager of a large household or estate
The word "housekeeper" combines "house" (Old English hūs, meaning "dwelling") and "keeper" (from Old English cēpan, "to guard or maintain"). The suffix "-er" denotes an agent performing the action. Originally, it referred to someone responsible for maintaining a household's order, evolving to emphasize domestic management roles. The term reflects the practical need to designate a caretaker for living spaces, blending the concepts of residence ("house") and stewardship ("keep").
The housekeeper ensures all rooms are cleaned daily.
She worked as a housekeeper for a wealthy family in London.
Modern housekeepers often use digital tools to manage schedules.
The hotel employs a team of housekeepers to maintain guest rooms.
In historical dramas, the housekeeper is often a trusted advisor to the household.