Synonyms

day care

American

[dey kair] / ˈdeɪ ˌkɛər /

noun

supervised daytime care for preschool children, the elderly, or those with chronic disabilities, usually provided at a center outside the home.

Finding quality day care that we can afford has been challenging.

adjective

of, relating to, or providing day care.

daycare center;
day-care program.

Etymology

Origin of day care

First recorded in 1895–1900 for noun, and 1940–45 for adjective

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.

The $35 average hourly rate for a home health aide was only up 3%, assisted living was up 5% and adult day care was actually down 5%.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

“I have to make arrangements to make sure that my day care is a priority so that I can be able to go to work,” Locke said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

A majority favor universal day care, while just 18% oppose it.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

So far, several states including New York, Maryland, and Oregon have released statements that they’re rejecting the new CDC recommendations for school and day care entry requirements.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2026

The little girl had to pick up the baby at day care and watch him until Caroline got home at about 8:00 p.m., which means she didn’t get much chance to go outside and play.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023