housekeeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "housekeeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person employed to manage a household, including cleaning and other domestic tasks. Example: "The housekeeper arrived early in the morning to start her daily chores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the boldest dramatic licence is in proposing that Turner's relationship with Hannah Danby, his housekeeper (played by Dorothy Atkinson) was sexual.

The Guardian - Film

The youngest daughter of Nobel prize laureate and retired archbishop Desmond Tutu returned home to find her housekeeper stabbed to death in her daughter's bedroom, her hands and feet bound with cloth.

The Guardian

MOROCCO The Best of Morocco (08450 264585; realmorocco.com) has seven nights at the Majorelle Suites, in the fashionable Gueliz quarter of Marrakech, from £495 (saving £300) for stays until 31 January, including flights from Gatwick, transfers and the services of a housekeeper, who will shop and cook for you.

The Guardian - Travel

"The fact that the son of a bartender and housekeeper is standing on stage with you today – that's what makes America great".

The Guardian

"Hannah stayed Turner and his father's housekeeper for 40 years and was still there at the end".

The Guardian - Film

If only, I suggest, you played housekeeper Mrs Hughes in Downton – you could bring even more sexual tension to the Carson-Hughes relationship.

The Guardian

A recent study shows that Maine could generate 250 megawatts from the tide, 100 of that in the Eastport area alone.In this section Enter the housekeeper Rage against the machine Still worth reading?

The Economist

The New York Times bemoaned "the most secretive election cycle since the Watergate years".Vast right-wing conspiracy, revisitedIn this section Enter the housekeeper Rage against the machine Still worth reading?

The Economist

Turning to his housekeeper, he asked if she knew who Beaton was.

The Economist

In winter, power companies can save up to $100,000 a day if they know in advance how high users will turn up their heating.In this section The Kremlin's housekeeper It never rains Van @ttack Bill's big roll-out Palms together Visible hand The latest shock Hawks or houses?

The Economist

He allowed Meg Whitman to spend enough money to turn off every voter in California, then sat back as her own former housekeeper, an illegal alien, told the state how heartless she had been.11 53: In California, the secretary of state's website is back up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "housekeeper", be mindful of the specific duties they perform. Use more specific terms if they handle additional responsibilities like childcare or household management.

Common error

Avoid using "housekeeper" as a catch-all term for domestic staff. Ensure the term accurately reflects the individual's primary responsibilities, distinguishing them from roles like nannies or personal assistants.

Linguistic Context

The term "housekeeper" functions primarily as a noun, designating an individual employed to manage and maintain a household. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing roles related to domestic service, as seen in examples from news and encyclopedic sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "housekeeper" is a common and grammatically sound noun used to describe someone who manages household duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "domestic worker" or "household manager" exist, "housekeeper" remains a clear and generally neutral term. When using this term, clarity is key; ensure that it accurately reflects the individual's responsibilities to avoid confusion with other domestic roles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domestic assistant

Modern term emphasizing assistance with domestic tasks.

domestic worker

Broader term encompassing various household duties.

cleaning lady

Focuses specifically on the cleaning aspect of the role.

residential cleaner

Highlights cleaning services specifically for residential properties.

home cleaner

Emphasizes the cleaning of the home environment.

household manager

Highlights the managerial aspect of overseeing a household.

caretaker

Implies a broader responsibility, including care for people or property.

maid

Traditional term, sometimes considered outdated or class-related.

charwoman

Historical term for a female cleaner, often part-time.

cleaning service

Refers to a company or service providing cleaning.

FAQs

What does a "housekeeper" do?

A "housekeeper" is responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly home environment, which includes cleaning, laundry, and possibly some light cooking or errands.

What are some alternatives to the word "housekeeper"?

You can use alternatives like "domestic worker", "cleaning lady", or "household manager" depending on the specific responsibilities of the person.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "maid" instead of a "housekeeper"?

While "maid" is a traditional term, it can be seen as outdated or class-related. "Housekeeper" or "domestic assistant" are generally more neutral and respectful terms.

What is the difference between a "housekeeper" and a "nanny"?

A "housekeeper" primarily focuses on maintaining the cleanliness and order of a home, while a "nanny" is primarily responsible for the care of children.