A babysitter is a person who takes care of children on a temporary basis, usually in the absence of their parents or guardians. Babysitters are responsible for the safety, well-being, and entertainment of the children they are caring for.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a babysitter is “a person who cares for children while their parents are away.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines a babysitter as “a person employed to look after children while their parents are out.”
Origin
The term “babysitter” originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It was first used to describe a person who was hired to sit with a sleeping baby while the parents went out for the evening. The term became more widely used in the 1950s and 1960s as more women entered the workforce and needed someone to care for their children during the day.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definitions provided by Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, other dictionaries define babysitter as a person who provides temporary childcare services. For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines a babysitter as “someone who takes care of a child or children while the parents are out, usually by staying in the child’s home.” The Collins English Dictionary defines a babysitter as “a person who looks after someone else’s children in that person’s home.”
Associations
Babysitters are often associated with childcare, responsibility, and trust. Parents rely on babysitters to take care of their children and keep them safe while they are away. Babysitters are expected to be responsible and reliable, and to have the skills and knowledge necessary to care for children of different ages.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for babysitter include childminder, nanny, au pair, and caregiver. These terms are often used interchangeably with babysitter, although they may have slightly different connotations or refer to specific types of childcare providers.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for babysitter, as the term refers to a specific type of childcare provider. However, some related terms that could be considered antonyms include neglectful parent, absentee parent, or uninvolved caregiver.
The same root words
The word “babysitter” is a compound word made up of “baby” and “sitter.” The word “baby” comes from the Middle English word “babi,” which meant “infant.” The word “sitter” comes from the Old English word “sittan,” which meant “to sit.” Together, the words form a term that describes a person who sits with a baby or young child.
Example Sentences
- We need to find a babysitter for Saturday night.
- My sister is a great babysitter – the kids love her.
- The babysitter arrived at 6pm and stayed until 11pm.
- I’m so grateful for our regular babysitter – she’s a lifesaver.
- We interviewed several potential babysitters before choosing the right one.