governess

noun

gov·​ern·​ess ˈgə-vər-nəs 

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

But the love between a strict naval officer (Christopher Plummer) and his carefree governess (Julie Andrews) is at the center of the story. —Lia Beck, EW.com, 25 June 2025

However, the Mother Abbess (Irma Gloria) has other plans, sending Maria to be governess to the seven children of widowed Captain von Trapp (Noah Peacock). —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025

The 1965 musical featuring Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Capt. von Trapp is about a young woman studying to become a nun who is sent to be the governess for a family with seven children. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025

In the evenings, Vincent embarks on a surreptitious love affair with Arthur, a soldier on leave — who's also the son of Vincent's governess. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

governess

noun

gov·​ern·​ess ˈgəv-ər-nəs 

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