crèche

[ kresh, kreysh; French kresh ]

noun

, plural crèch·es [kresh, -iz, krey, -shiz, k, r, esh].

1. a small or large modeled representation or tableau of Mary, Joseph, and others around the crib of Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem, as is displayed in homes or erected for exhibition in a community at Christmas season.
2. a home for foundlings.
3. British. a day-care center; day nursery.
4. Animal Behavior. an assemblage of dependent young that are cared for communally.

crèche

/ krɛʃ; krɛʃ; kreɪʃ /

noun

1. 1. a day nursery for very young children
   2. a supervised play area provided for young children for short periods
2. a tableau of Christ's Nativity
3. a foundling home or hospital

Word History and Origins

Origin of crèche¹

1785–95; < French, Old French < Frankish *kripja crib

Word History and Origins

Origin of crèche¹

C19: from Old French: manger, crib, ultimately of Germanic origin; compare Old High German kripja crib

Example Sentences

Yes, crèche displays and telephone data mining are different things.

From The Daily Beast

Then I found a fellow who wanted to build in that neighborhood, sold him the lot cheap, and got out of the crèche industry.

From Project Gutenberg

Had Monsieur seen and admired the beautiful crèche in the church?

From Project Gutenberg

Obviously, the crèche is an offshoot from the miracle plays and mysteries which had their beginning a full two centuries earlier.

From Project Gutenberg

That the crèche is now practically a part of every factory makes little or no difference.

From Project Gutenberg

One has trained as a Princess Christian nurse, and now goes three days a week to give help at a crèche.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• child care
• daycare
• nursery
• nursery school
• preschool