nanny

¹

[nan-ee]

noun

plural

nannies 

1. a person, usually with special training, employed to care for children in a household.

Nanny

²

[nan-ee]

noun

1. a female given name.

nanny

/ ˈnænɪ /

noun

1. a nurse or nursemaid for children

2. 1. any person or thing regarded as treating people like children, esp by being patronizing or overprotective

   2. ( as modifier )

      the nanny state

3. a child's word for grandmother

verb

1. (intr) to nurse or look after someone else's children

2. (tr) to be overprotective towards

Word History and Origins

Origin of nanny¹

1785–95; nursery word; compare Welsh nain grandmother, Greek nánna aunt, Russian nyánya nursemaid

Word History and Origins

Origin of nanny¹

C19: child's name for a nurse

Example Sentences

“The White House has certainly gotten the message, both from agriculture and the food sector, that they are on the edge of a nanny state,” one lobbyist said, speaking anonymously to discuss the conversations candidly.

From Salon

A nanny who works nearby said she was relieved to see some children leaving the building unharmed, but was disturbed by "the looks on their faces alone".

From BBC

And when the Scotts overhear Elizabeth yell at the family’s nanny for letting her grandchildren play outside without parasols, that reveals her disdain for dark complexions.

From Salon

Either way, a magical nanny might have been helpful.

From Los Angeles Times

Nancy asked an officer whether her nanny would be able to move their car, which was in front of her home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• au pair 
• governess