aide

[ eyd ]

noun

1. an assistant or helper, especially a paid employee:

   Years ago, my mom was a teacher’s aide in a kindergarten classroom.

2. nurse's aide:

   During the war she worked as an aide in a field hospital, changing bedpans and cleaning floors.

3. aide-de-camp.
4. an assistant or advisor to a public figure, especially one who works for a person in public office:

   He is a journalist and former White House aide.

5. home health aide:

   The agency just called to say my mom's aide didn't show up this morning.

aide

/ eɪd /

noun

1. an assistant
2. social welfare an unqualified assistant to a professional welfare worker
3. short for aide-de-camp

Confusables Note

See aid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aide¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1770–80; from French: literally, “helper”; aid

Example Sentences

The four justices who dissented against Trump are women, so William Wolfe, former aide to Al Mohler, used it as evidence that women cannot be trusted with power.

From Salon

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has named a new deputy mayor for public safety, installing former FBI official Robert Clark as her top aide overseeing police and fire issues.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, he said, he’s worked in the jails, been a chief’s executive aide, served as spokesman under the last administration and currently is watch commander at the Palmdale sheriff’s station.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t see it yet,” the aide said, granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, “but down the road, it’s possible.”

From Los Angeles Times

Prince Andrew's involvement with an alleged Chinese spy came at a time his chief aide and other royals believed his reputation was "irrecoverable".

From BBC

Related Words

• assistant
• deputy
• supporter