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
Based on a true story, the plot follows the aristocratic Von Trapp family as former convent novice Maria (played by Julie Andrews), shows up to be governess and changes their lives.
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Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
There is a painfully revealing example in Emma where Miss Bates is telling Emma about Jane Fairfax’s prospects as a governess to the Sucklings’ friends the Smallridges.
—Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
Set in 1858, the story centers on a governess named Winifred Notty (Monroe) who hides her psychopathic tendencies while arriving to work at a remote gothic manor.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
Previous generations left children at home with governesses when traveling.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for governess
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Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
There is a painfully revealing example in Emma where Miss Bates is telling Emma about Jane Fairfax’s prospects as a governess to the Sucklings’ friends the Smallridges.
—Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
Set in 1858, the story centers on a governess named Winifred Notty (Monroe) who hides her psychopathic tendencies while arriving to work at a remote gothic manor.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
Previous generations left children at home with governesses when traveling.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for governess
Cite this Entry
“Governess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governess. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
governess
noun
gov·ern·ess
ˈgəv-ər-nəs
: a woman who teaches and trains a child in a private home
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