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

Related Words

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