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

Isaacs will be stepping into the role of Mr. Pounds, the owner of the estate who employs the young, eccentric governess Winifred Notty. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 May 2025

Maika Monroe has been cast as a killer governess in Victorian Psycho, a psychological horror thriller that Zachary Wigon will direct for production and financing outfit Anton. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025

The roles of teacher or governess are the only respectable options open to the young women. —Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025

Julie Andrews as Maria Andrews starred as Maria, the precocious and inspirational governess who helps the von Trapp kids learn to embrace music and family — and later becomes their stepmother. —Keith Langston, People.com, 2 Mar. 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