nanny

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nanny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person employed to look after a child or children, as in the example sentence, "We decided to hire a nanny to help with our two kids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

In theory, it is possible that gentle nudges will turn into intrusive diktats and the nanny state will drain individual responsibility.

The New York Times

Watching television and listening to the radio, I soon realised that here was a widely held sentiment: a visceral opposition to what one critic suggested we should literally call "the nanny state".

The Guardian - Opinion

He took odd jobs, including as a fly man at the Victoria Palace theatre and a part-time nanny for Claire Tomalin's son at their Gloucester Crescent home.

The Guardian

This was dressed up in the language of the "EU nanny state" smothering the entrepreneurial spirit of British business – a sentiment also expressed by one of the Sun's most notorious headlines, "Up yours Delors" on 1 November 1990.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Tuesday, the couple will leave George with a nanny in Canberra for Uluru, in central Australia, more than 30 years after Prince William's parents went there.

The Guardian

We also have an amazing nanny, who is a mother herself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Last August, Rory Kinnear filmed Lucan by day, playing the nanny-killing aristocrat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This reluctance to act, whether due to ideology, closeness to corporate interests or fears of being accused of "nanny-state tactics", has been damaging to health and has led to many thousands of unnecessary deaths.

The Guardian

Italians, he instinctively thinks, need nannying, with the president as nanny-in-chief.

The Economist

Tokyo's nanny-knows-best government has long claimed that pumping petrol is a dangerous business.

The Economist

That is a tiny proportion of the traditional nanny-employing classes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "nanny", be specific about their responsibilities and qualifications to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Our nanny is trained in first aid and CPR."

Common error

Avoid using "nanny" interchangeably with terms like "babysitter" or "au pair". A "nanny" typically has a more long-term and involved role than a babysitter, while an au pair is often a young person from another country.

Linguistic Context

The word "nanny" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person employed to care for children. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is considered correct. It can also function as a verb, meaning 'to coddle'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

18%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nanny" is a common and accepted term, primarily used as a noun to denote a child caregiver. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it can also function as a verb meaning 'to coddle', its most prevalent use is as a noun, particularly in news and media, and formal or business contexts. When using the term, be mindful of its specific meaning and avoid confusing it with related but distinct roles like "babysitter" or "au pair". Using this guide, writers can confidently and accurately use "nanny" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Child caregiver

This alternative is a broader term encompassing various types of child care.

Au pair

This alternative refers to a caregiver from overseas, typically living with the family.

Babysitter

This alternative usually implies a temporary or occasional caregiver.

Nursemaid

This alternative is an older term for a female child caregiver.

Childminder

This alternative is a British term for a caregiver who looks after children in their own home.

Daycare provider

This alternative refers to someone who cares for children in a daycare setting.

Guardian

This alternative implies legal responsibility for a child.

Parental assistant

This alternative describes someone who assists parents with child-related tasks.

Home child educator

This alternative describes someone who provides care for children in a home setting.

Family caregiver

This alternative refers to someone in a family who cares for children.

FAQs

How to use "nanny" in a sentence?

You can use "nanny" in a sentence to describe someone who provides childcare, for example, "We hired a "nanny" to look after our children while we work".

What can I say instead of "nanny"?

You can use alternatives like "child caregiver", "au pair", or "nursemaid" depending on the context.

What are the responsibilities of a "nanny"?

A "nanny" typically provides childcare, prepares meals, and may also do light housekeeping related to the children. Specific duties can vary based on the family's needs.

What's the difference between "nanny" and "babysitter"?

A "nanny" usually has a more permanent, full-time role with extensive responsibilities, while a "babysitter" generally provides temporary or occasional care.