governess

[ guhv-er-nis ]

noun

1. a woman who is employed to take charge of a child's upbringing, education, etc.
2. Archaic. a woman who is a ruler or governor.

governess

/ ˈɡʌvənɪs /

noun

1. a woman teacher employed in a private household to teach and train the children

Gender Note

See -ess.

Other Words From

• gover·ness·y adjective
• sub·govern·ess noun
• under·govern·ess noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of governess¹

1400–50; late Middle English governeress < Old French gouverneresse, feminine of gouverneur governor; -ess

Example Sentences

Margot, whose name we have changed, was 19 when she responded to a job advertisement in The Lady magazine in 1985, for a position as a nanny and governess in Surrey.

From BBC

In The Governess, he played a father with an interest in photography who falls for his muse, and governess, played by Minnie Driver.

From BBC

No one would have to become a governess.

From New York Times

Follow along as Maria serves as governess for the seven children of the stern Captain, bringing music to their lives in the form of timeless songs like “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Do Re Mi” and “Edelweiss.”

From Seattle Times

It told the story of a young governess who takes a job in a broken-down mansion inhabited by three brothers, each of whom pursues her.

From New York Times

Related Words

• nanny