governess

noun

gov·ern·ess | \ ˈgə-vər-nəs

Definition of governess

1 : a woman who governs

2 : a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household

Examples of governess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ada’s lessons, delivered by a governess, lasted precisely 15 minutes. — Abigail Deutsch, WSJ, "‘In Byron’s Wake’ Review: Lout and Ladies," 13 Dec. 2018 Almost Hitchcock-like is the account of Shchukin’s second wife, their daughter Irina and the governess making their escape west on the Ukraine train. — E.a. Carmean Jr., WSJ, "‘The Collector’ Review: Before the Fall," 7 Dec. 2018 In The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews stars as Maria, a young nun in an Austrian convent who is sent away to be governess for the children of the widowed Captain Von Trapp. — Alison Caporimo, Seventeen, "Ariana Grande Remixes "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things" For New Song "7 Rings"," 18 Jan. 2019 Traditionally, members of the British and have been educated at home, starting at the nursery stage with a governess. — Marcia Moody, Town & Country, "Here's What Prince George and Princess Charlotte's Royal Education Will Entail," 26 Aug. 2018 The Duke of York was educated by a governess before attending Heatherdown School in Ascot and eventually, like his brother and father, Gordonstoun. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Inside Queen Elizabeth's Complicated Relationships With Her Children," 18 Aug. 2018 Her family employed two maids and a French governess for Evelyn and her brother, Rudolph. — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, "Evelyn Y. Davis Would Have Wanted a Bigger Headline on This Obituary," 9 Nov. 2018 The other non-lizard residents include Maisie’s governess, Iris (Geraldine Chaplin), and Mr. Lockwood’s assistant, Eli (Rafe Spall), who totally seems like a nice guy. — Derek Connolly, New York Times, "Review: ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ Brings the Gang Back. Sigh.," 20 June 2018 The last governess has departed under mysterious circumstances. — New York Times, "Notes From the Book Review Archives," 14 June 2018

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