babysit

American  

[bey-bee-sit] / ˈbeɪ biˌsɪt /

Or baby-sit

verb (used without object)

babysat, babysitting

1. to take charge of a child while the parents are temporarily away.

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verb (used with object)

babysat, babysitting

1. to take watchful responsibility for (a child).

   We're looking for someone to babysit the kids in the evening.

2. to take watchful responsibility for; tend.

   It will be necessary for someone to babysit the machine until it is running properly.

Other Word Forms

• baby-sitter noun
• babysitter noun

Etymology

Origin of babysit

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Why did I volunteer to babysit?

From Literature

“Emma used to babysit me sometimes.”

From Literature

“I’ve been watching Lily while her mom is at work, and I think I’m pretty good at it. And Lily says you used to babysit her, too. I sort of need the money because…” I think of the mysterious postcard hidden in the stack of mail, “…well, it’s a long story. But it could be fun. Except I don’t know anything about this area. So I was thinking you might want to help. Maybe. If you want.”

From Literature

“Emma and I are excited about our business. I want to babysit, OK? I double, triple, quadruple promise.”

From Literature

Social media posts show users "raising" their rice cakes, complaining about being at home to babysit, and dubbing them their new pets.

From Barron's