childcare

American  

[chahyld-kair] / ˈtʃaɪldˌkɛər /

noun

1. the care or supervision of another's child, especially at a day-care center.

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adjective

1. Also child-care of, relating to, or providing childcare.

childcare British  

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌkɛə /

noun

1. care provided for children without homes (or with a seriously disturbed home life) by a local authority

2. care and supervision of children whose parents are working, provided by a childminder or local authority

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Etymology

Origin of childcare

First recorded in 1910–15; child + care

Example Sentences

It’s lowering or eliminating the costs of childcare, one of the most prohibitive barriers to having children, as part of a larger multi-pronged approach to support people who want to have children.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

In this case, the cost of childcare might not be the only barrier and driver of lower birth rates.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Tickner acknowledges that school holidays are "certainly an advantage when it comes to childcare", but says work in term-time can get so intense "you need the holiday time to reset".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The politician secured a greyhound racing ban, more money for childcare and discount bus travel in 2025's round of budget talks.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

She says it reminds her of dungeons, and must have been invented by someone strict and awful with an unlimited childcare budget.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead