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

The group of babies is called a crèche.

From NewsForKids.net

Mr. Rave says that this crèche is unusually large.

From NewsForKids.net

“I’ve seen crèches up to 35 and 50 often, but 70 — that would be a very big crèche,” he told the New York Times.

From NewsForKids.net

Maria would also like to see creche facilities becoming a norm on the tour.

From BBC

And yet, in defiance of logic, Klopp ended up celebrating another landmark Liverpool win as he was courageous enough to summon kids from the club's Kirkby creche to lift the first trophy of a potential four-trophy haul, the win sealed by Virgil van Dijk's header two minutes from the end of extra time.

From BBC

Related Words

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