ayah

noun

Definition of ayahnext
as in amah

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ayah This was a place where other Asians also found a home, notably lascars from India and East Africa, and ayahs abandoned by their English employers after the long sea voyage. — Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ayah
  1. amah
  2. nurse
  3. nanny
Noun
  • In colonial days, many families had a lifelong helper known as an amah (after the Portuguese word for nurse).
    — Time, Time, 23 Jan. 2018
Definition of amah
Noun
  • Mitchell Berman, an emergency room nurse, is widely considered the front-runner in a three-way Democratic primary in the 1st District.
    — Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Alden doesn’t call in about Catherine’s picture, but Yuti, his day nurse, sees the picture as well and informs the FBI of the address.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of nurse
Noun
  • Elaine Rossi, a part-time nanny for the Clancy family, said Lindsay Clancy told her about having postpartum issues.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • On Wednesday, the jury heard from a nanny who started working for the Clancy family in September 2022.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of nanny

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“Ayah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ayah. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ayah

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