babysitter

ba-by-sit-ter · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person, typically a teenager or young adult, who cares for a child or children while the parents are away, usually for a few hours.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) Someone who watches over or monitors something or someone.

Forms

plural: babysitters

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hire a babysitter — To arrange for childcare.
  • •
    babysitter's club — A group of young babysitters.

Related words

See also: babysit, babysitting, childcare, nanny
Synonyms: caregiver, childminder, nanny, sitter

Etymology

From English baby + sitter (one who sits with), first attested in the 1930s-1940s.