Definition of governess
1 : a woman who governs
2 : a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household
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Recent Examples of governess from the Web
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A few years ago, after returning to Canton to care for her dying grandmother, Sutherland found herself at a crossroads, contemplating another governess gig.
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.
First Known Use of governess
15th century
GOVERNESS Defined for English Language Learners
governess
playDefinition of governess for English Language Learners
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: a woman who is paid to care for and teach a child in the child's house
GOVERNESS Defined for Kids
governess
playDefinition of governess for Students
: a woman who teaches and trains a child especially in a private home
Learn More about governess
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Spanish Central: Translation of governess Nglish: Translation of governess for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of governess for Arabic speakers
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