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

Lewis has promised a wealth tax, and expanded public childcare and healthcare, buliding a million affordable public homes, among other measures addressing climate and affordability.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Eligible working parents of children aged between nine months and four years old in England have been entitled to 30 hours a week of government-funded childcare during term time since September 2025.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

In Northern Ireland, separate figures show that in 2024 - the most recent year for which data is available - the average monthly cost of childcare was:

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

In September 2025, the government said it had exceeded its target to provide funded childcare to an additional half a million children.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Being there: creating music-making opportunities in a childcare centre.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin