crèche
Americannoun
plural
crèches-
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.
-
a home for foundlings.
-
British. a day-care center; day nursery.
-
Animal Behavior. an assemblage of dependent young that are cared for communally.
noun
-
-
a day nursery for very young children
-
a supervised play area provided for young children for short periods
-
-
a tableau of Christ's Nativity
-
a foundling home or hospital
Usage
What does crèche mean? A crèche is a nativity scene—a model of a scene depicting the birth of Jesus. Crèches are often displayed in or outside of homes or churches during Advent, the season preceding Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus and is among the most important Christian holidays. A crèche is also commonly called a Nativity scene or simply a Nativity. Crèche is also sometimes used to refer to a childcare facility like a day care. This sense of the word is primarily used in the United Kingdom. It is sometimes seen without the accent mark, which comes from its French spelling. Example: My children’s favorite part of the crèche is the goats and other animals.
Etymology
Origin of crèche
1785–95; < French, Old French < Frankish *kripja crib
Explanation
A creche is a representation of the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth. It's the nativity scene that is displayed at Christmas, with the manger, Mary, Joseph, and the three wise men. Although a creche is the same thing as a nativity scene, if you want to get nit-picky, the creche refers specifically to the baby Jesus in the manger. Crèche is a French word that also refers to a nursery or daycare center. Say creche to a British person and she’ll assume you’re talking about a daycare, 'cause that's what they call it across the pond.
Vocabulary lists containing creche
The Bridge Home
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
How the García Girls Lost Their Accents
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Native Speaker
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Forbes has since criticised the Scottish Parliament's crèche facilities, which are only available for three hours a day from Tuesday to Thursday.
From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025
Mr. Rave says that this crèche is unusually large.
From NewsForKids.net • May 7, 2024
ACLU, in which the Supreme Court held that the Constitution’s establishment clause barred the displays of a crèche and the Ten Commandments in county courthouses.
From Washington Post • Jan. 16, 2022
The daughter added that she saw nothing offensive about the crèche.
From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2020
There, a blur in the left, is a crèche worker.
From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
