au pair

noun \ ˈō-ˈper \

|Updated on: 2 Aug 2018

Definition of au pair

plural au pairs play \ˈō-ˈperz\

: a usually young foreign person who cares for children and does domestic work for a family in return for room and board and the opportunity to learn the family's language

See au pair defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of au pair from the Web

Some of my favorite au pairs have been from South Africa.

— rebecca hazen, Houston Chronicle, "Memorial resident volunteers through global nonprofit," 8 June 2018
Meantime, tumult is their norm: Alisha pumping milk in an Amtrak train bathroom while texting the au pair and wondering whether Evie needs to practice her sight words, whether August feels lost in the midst of his siblings.

— anndee hochman, Philly.com, "The Parent Trip: Alisha Glennon and Jeffrey Stacey of Mount Airy," 8 May 2018
The ensuite au pair or guest area has a cozy nook, spacious walk-in closet, and a full bath with step-in shower.

— margaret demarino, courant.com, "Property of the Week: Washington Farms, Burlington," 4 May 2017
Cultural Care Au Pair is a program that provides a cultural exchange experience for international au pairs and childcare for American host families.

— rebecca hazen, Houston Chronicle, "Memorial resident volunteers through global nonprofit," 8 June 2018
That’s now finished and includes two full baths — room for an au pair.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "Modern addition gives this 90-year-old Birmingham home a dramatic flair," 29 June 2018
Both moved to Paris soon after graduating from college: Ms. Kanelos Weiner worked as an au pair in the city and was drawn to the rich culture, history and fashion scene.

— New York Times, "How to Really Experience Paris," 24 Apr. 2018
In Big Law, there are two tracks for women: You either don’t have a family, or do have a family and have au pairs and help out the wazoo, work insane hours, and never see your family.

— jen gann, The Cut, "6 Women on How They’ve Been Treated at Work After Having Kids," 13 June 2018
The versatile layout includes a 1,200-foot partially finished attic that would make an ideal in-law or au pair suite.

— margaret demarino, courant.com, "Property of the Week: 35 Bull Hill Road, Colchester," 25 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'au pair.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of au pair

French, on even terms

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1934

in the meaning defined above

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AU PAIR Defined for English Language Learners

au pair

noun

Definition of au pair for English Language Learners

: a young person (usually a young woman) from a foreign country who lives with a family and helps to care for children and do housework in return for the opportunity to learn the family's language