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governess

noun gov·ern·ess \ ˈgə-vər-nəs \
Updated on: 20 Apr 2018
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Definition of governess

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

See governess defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of governess from the Web

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Job Terms

factotum, milliner, ostler, scrivener, tinker, webster, wordsmith

GOVERNESS Defined for English Language Learners

governess

noun

Definition of governess for English Language Learners

  • : a woman who is paid to care for and teach a child in the child's house

GOVERNESS Defined for Kids

governess

noun gov·ern·ess \ ˈgə-vər-nəs \

Definition of governess for Students

: a woman who teaches and trains a child especially in a private home

Learn More about governess

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of governess Nglish: Translation of governess for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of governess for Arabic speakers

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