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

We were so out of control that a lot of older kids’ parents didn’t allow them to babysit us.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tiffany Story, who attended a vigil for the victims, told the BBC that she used to babysit one of those killed in the explosion - Rachel Woodall.

From BBC

Tiffany Story says her cousin was also among the victims, along with four other people that she knew, including someone she once used to babysit for.

From BBC

She is happy to babysit during her holidays to help with childcare costs and said there were other bonuses.

From BBC

“You can identify who is who in the show by how Robby is treating them. Am I being deferential to their expertise and education, or do I assume that they don’t know s— and I have to babysit them?”

From Los Angeles Times