housekeeper

American  

[hous-kee-per] / ˈhaʊsˌki pər /

noun

1. a person, often hired, who does or directs the domestic work and planning necessary for a home, as cleaning or buying food.

2. an employee of a hotel, hospital, etc., who supervises the cleaning staff.

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housekeeper British  

/ ˈhaʊsˌkiːpə /

noun

1. a person, esp a woman, employed to run a household

2. a person who is not an efficient and thrifty domestic manager

3. a person who is an efficient and thrifty domestic manager

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Other Word Forms

• housekeeperlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of housekeeper

First recorded in 1375–1425, housekeeper is from the late Middle English word houskeper. See house, keeper

Example Sentences

Margaret O’Brien’s miniature “juvenile” Oscar for “Meet Me in St. Louis” was taken by a housekeeper who offered to polish it but never returned.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

And Ellie, his former housekeeper, appreciates Dillahan’s subdued affection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Whereas Brontë writes Nelly as a largely passive narrator, Fennell abandons the frame narrative structure altogether and instead fashions the housekeeper into a complex character with significant control over Cathy’s life.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

I’ve had the same housekeeper for over three years.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

The housekeeper must have come this afternoon, polished the wooden furniture with lemon, and wiped the windows with vinegar.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• caretaker
• chambermaid
• housemaid
• housewife
• maid
• servant