governess

noun

gov·​ern·​ess ˈgə-vər-nəs How to pronounce governess (audio)
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
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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 Monroe joins Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho, JoJo Rabbit) in the production that previously had Margaret Qualley in the role of the governess. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025 As Winifred assimilates into life at Ensor House, staff members begin to inexplicably disappear, and the owners of the estate begin to wonder if there is something amiss about their new governess. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for governess

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of governess was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Governess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governess. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

governess

noun
gov·​ern·​ess ˈgəv-ər-nəs How to pronounce governess (audio)
: a woman who teaches and trains a child in a private home

More from Merriam-Webster on governess

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