Governess
/ˈɡʌvərnəs/noun
A woman hired to educate children in a private household.
She was employed as a governess to teach the children English and Mathematics.
Often appears as...
- private governess
- governess of the children
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Period Usage
The term is more common in literature from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Jane Eyre worked as a governess in Charlotte Brontë's novel.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Role
Governesses were often seen in British upper-class homes.
In Victorian England, a governess was an essential part of wealthy households.
Pro Tip 3/3Not a Nanny
A governess focuses on education, while a nanny provides general child care.
While Mrs. Smith takes care of the children's meals and clothes, the governess handles their lessons.
Compare with
babysittereducatorinstructnannyteachtutor
Never forget "Governess"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension