crèche

[ kresh, kreysh; French kresh ]

noun

, plural crèch·es [kresh, -iz, krey, -shiz, k, r, esh].

1. a small or large modeled representation or tableau of Mary, Joseph, and others around the crib of Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem, as is displayed in homes or erected for exhibition in a community at Christmas season.
2. a home for foundlings.
3. British. a day-care center; day nursery.
4. Animal Behavior. an assemblage of dependent young that are cared for communally.

crèche

/ krɛʃ; kreɪʃ; krɛʃ /

noun

1. 1. a day nursery for very young children
   2. a supervised play area provided for young children for short periods
2. a tableau of Christ's Nativity
3. a foundling home or hospital

Word History and Origins

Origin of crèche¹

1785–95; < French, Old French < Frankish *kripja crib

Word History and Origins

Origin of crèche¹

C19: from Old French: manger, crib, ultimately of Germanic origin; compare Old High German kripja crib

Example Sentences

Under the guidelines, families would not be separated and detention centers would have a crèche and a skill center.

From Time

A special nursery, the "Creche," was built for their children.

From Project Gutenberg

Along the floor of the ravine that was the only land approach to the Creche moved the twisting, writhing snake of the procession.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the expressionless face of an android, a fine example of the Creche's production line.

From Project Gutenberg

To tell such a man what the Creche is would be to tie a rope around the neck of every android alive.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a moral decay setting in everywhere—the founders of the Creche would never have spoken so.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• child care
• daycare
• nursery
• nursery school
• preschool