nanny
UK: ˈnæni | US: ˈnæni
n. 1. A woman employed to care for children in a household.
n. 2. (Informal) A grandmother or older female caregiver.
n. 3. (British) A female goat.
The word "nanny" originated in the early 18th century as a child's term for a nurse or female caregiver, likely derived from the affectionate or diminutive form "nan" (a common nickname for "Ann" or "Nancy"). The "-y" suffix adds a familiar or endearing tone, typical in English for terms related to caregivers (e.g., "mommy," "daddy"). The later British usage for a female goat (early 19th century) humorously extended the nurturing connotation to animals.
The nanny read a bedtime story to the children.
She worked as a live-in nanny for a wealthy family.
(Informal) "My nanny always bakes the best cookies."
(British) "The farmer milked the nanny goat every morning."
Modern parents often debate hiring a nanny versus daycare.