amah

[ ah-muh, am-uh ]

noun

1. a baby's nurse, especially a wet nurse.
2. a female servant; maid.

amah

/ ˈæmə; ˈɑːmə /

noun

1. See ayah
   (in the East, esp formerly) a nurse or maidservant, esp one of Chinese origin Compare ayah

Word History and Origins

Origin of amah¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from Portuguese ama “nurse, governess” from Medieval Latin amma “wet nurse,” perhaps alteration of Latin mamma “breast”

Word History and Origins

Origin of amah¹

C19: from Portuguese ama nurse, wet nurse

Example Sentences

"I was talking with my Amah—she is the girl who cares for our children," said Mrs. Worley.

From Project Gutenberg

To be sure, he slept a great deal, or the amah would have been obliged to hand him over to a younger woman.

From Project Gutenberg

Their voices and the answers of the serving amah filled the kitchen with noise.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he makes up his mind the best thing is to leave Daisy with the Amah.

From Project Gutenberg

I told you I wouldn't have your disgusting pipe in here, amah.

From Project Gutenberg