babysitter
A babysitter is a person who looks after children while their parents are out.
Explanation at your level:
A babysitter is a person who looks after children. If parents want to go out, they ask a babysitter to stay with the children at home. The babysitter plays with the children and keeps them safe. You pay the babysitter for their work. It is a good job for young people.
When parents need to leave their house for a few hours, they often hire a babysitter. A babysitter is someone who watches the children while the parents are away. They might feed the children, read books to them, or help them get ready for bed. It is a very common job for teenagers who want to earn some extra money.
The term babysitter refers to a person hired to provide temporary childcare. Unlike a nanny, who might work full-time, a babysitter is usually employed for short, irregular periods. Parents rely on babysitters to ensure their children are supervised, entertained, and safe during an evening out. Finding a trustworthy babysitter is often a top priority for families with young children.
Babysitter is a widely used noun for someone who assumes the responsibility of childcare on a short-term basis. The role requires a high degree of reliability and the ability to handle unexpected situations. While the term is primarily associated with domestic settings, it has also entered the professional lexicon metaphorically, where 'babysitting' refers to the act of micromanaging a project or an individual who requires constant oversight.
The noun babysitter denotes a specific social role characterized by the temporary delegation of parental authority. In contemporary English, the term is frequently employed in both literal and figurative contexts. Beyond the domestic sphere, the verb form 'to babysit' is used in corporate or political environments to describe the process of providing intensive, often tedious, supervision to ensure compliance or stability. This usage carries a slightly cynical nuance, implying that the 'charge' is incapable of self-regulation.
Etymologically, babysitter is a quintessential 20th-century Americanism, reflecting the shift toward suburban nuclear family structures. The word encapsulates a specific cultural contract: the commodification of childcare for leisure time. In literary or analytical contexts, the term can evoke themes of trust, domesticity, and the transition of childhood independence. Its usage has evolved from a purely functional descriptor of a domestic worker to a versatile verb used to critique the lack of autonomy in various professional hierarchies. Understanding the nuance between a 'babysitter' and a 'nanny' or 'au pair' is essential for grasping the socio-economic distinctions in childcare arrangements.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A babysitter is a temporary childcare provider.
- It is a common job for teenagers.
- The word is a compound of 'baby' and 'sitter'.
- It is used in both literal and figurative ways.
The word babysitter is a compound noun that describes someone who provides temporary care for children. Think of it as a bridge between the parents' departure and their return.
When parents need to go out for a dinner, a movie, or an appointment, they hire a babysitter to ensure the kids are safe and happy. It is a very common role in many cultures, often serving as a first job for many teenagers.
A babysitter isn't just there to watch the clock; they are expected to interact with the children. This might include reading stories, helping with homework, or simply making sure everyone brushes their teeth before bed. It is a position of trust, as parents are leaving their most precious cargo in your hands.
The term babysitter is a fascinating example of how English combines simple words to create new, specific meanings. It is a compound of baby and sitter.
While the concept of child-minding has existed for centuries, the specific term babysitter didn't gain widespread popularity until the early 20th century. Before this, people might have used terms like 'nursemaid' or 'child-minder'.
The word sitter comes from the verb 'sit', which in this context means 'to stay with or look after'. By the 1940s and 50s, as suburban life expanded in North America, the need for temporary, short-term childcare skyrocketed, cementing the word into our daily vocabulary.
You will hear babysitter used in everyday, casual conversation. It is a standard term that everyone understands, from children to grandparents.
Commonly, we say 'hire a babysitter' or 'find a babysitter'. You might also hear someone say, 'We have a babysitter coming over tonight.' It is rarely used in highly formal or legal documents, where terms like 'childcare provider' might be preferred.
The register is neutral to informal. Whether you are talking to a neighbor or a coworker, it is perfectly acceptable to use this word to explain why you have to leave an event early or why you are busy on a Friday night.
While there aren't many idioms specifically containing the word 'babysitter', the concept is often used metaphorically in business or politics.
1. Babysit a project: To manage a task closely to ensure nothing goes wrong. Example: 'I have to babysit this report until the boss reviews it.'
2. Babysit the kids: A standard phrase for the act of providing care. Example: 'Can you babysit the kids while I run to the store?'
3. Acting as a babysitter: Often used when an adult has to watch over another adult who is behaving immaturely. Example: 'I felt like I was babysitting the team during the meeting.'
4. Babysitting service: Referring to a professional agency. Example: 'We used a local babysitting service for the wedding.'
5. Babysitter money: Extra cash earned from small jobs. Example: 'She saved her babysitter money for a new bike.'
Babysitter is a regular countable noun. The plural form is simply babysitters. You use the indefinite article 'a' (e.g., 'a reliable babysitter') or the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'the babysitter is late').
In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the first syllable: BAY-bee-sit-er. The IPA for General American is /ˈbeɪbiˌsɪtər/.
Rhyming words include transmitter, fitter, knitter, bitter, and critter. It is a very straightforward word to pronounce, though non-native speakers should ensure they don't turn the 'i' in 'sit' into a long 'ee' sound.
Fun Fact
The word is a perfect example of 20th-century American compound word creation.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'bay-bee-sit-uh', with a soft 'r' at the end.
Sounds like 'bay-bee-sit-er', with a clear 'r' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'i' in 'sit' as 'ee'
- Putting stress on the last syllable
- Dropping the 't' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Easy to use in sentences.
Commonly used in daily speech.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Nouns
baby + sitter = babysitter
Countable Nouns
a babysitter, two babysitters
Present Simple for habits
We use a babysitter every Friday.
Examples by Level
The babysitter is here.
The person looking after the kids arrived.
Use 'is' for singular noun.
I need a babysitter.
I am looking for someone to watch my child.
Indefinite article 'a'.
She is a good babysitter.
She does a great job.
Subject + verb + noun.
The babysitter likes kids.
The person enjoys being with children.
Simple present tense.
Call the babysitter.
Phone the person for help.
Imperative sentence.
The babysitter is nice.
The person is kind.
Adjective describing the noun.
Where is the babysitter?
Asking about the person's location.
Question word 'where'.
We pay the babysitter.
Giving money for the work.
Verb 'pay'.
Our babysitter comes every Friday night.
Are you looking for a reliable babysitter?
The babysitter read a story to the children.
My sister is a very popular babysitter.
The babysitter put the baby to sleep.
We left the kids with a babysitter.
The babysitter played games with us.
I have to find a new babysitter.
Finding a trustworthy babysitter can be quite difficult.
She has been our regular babysitter for three years.
The babysitter called to say she would be ten minutes late.
We always leave emergency numbers for the babysitter.
Being a babysitter taught me a lot about responsibility.
The kids love it when the babysitter brings board games.
He decided to hire a professional babysitting agency.
Is the babysitter comfortable with pets?
I felt like I was babysitting the new trainee all day.
The parents were relieved to find such a competent babysitter.
She moonlighted as a babysitter to pay for her college tuition.
The babysitter handled the toddler's tantrum with great patience.
We need a babysitter who can drive the kids to practice.
It is important to vet your babysitter before leaving them alone.
The babysitter had to deal with a minor medical emergency.
He resented being asked to babysit his younger brother.
The project manager felt he was babysitting the developers throughout the launch.
She acted as a babysitter for the visiting dignitaries during the summit.
The government is accused of babysitting the industry with endless subsidies.
He was forced to babysit the client during the long negotiation process.
The role of the babysitter is often undervalued in our society.
They needed someone to babysit the legacy systems until the migration was complete.
The babysitter was well-versed in pediatric first aid.
She found the task of babysitting the interns to be quite exhausting.
The cultural perception of the babysitter has shifted from a neighborly favor to a professional service.
He found himself babysitting the volatile market trends to avoid sudden losses.
The babysitter's presence allowed the parents a rare moment of respite.
The system requires constant babysitting to prevent catastrophic failure.
Her career as a babysitter provided the initial capital for her entrepreneurial venture.
The babysitter exercised a gentle but firm authority over the rambunctious children.
It is a nuanced dynamic when a teenager assumes the role of a babysitter for a wealthy family.
The babysitter was tasked with maintaining the strict routine established by the parents.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"babysit a project"
To monitor something closely.
I had to babysit the launch process.
casual"babysit the numbers"
To watch data closely.
He is babysitting the budget figures.
business"act as a babysitter"
To supervise immature behavior.
I'm tired of acting as a babysitter for the team.
informal"babysitter money"
Small amounts of extra cash.
It is just babysitter money, not a real salary.
casual"babysitting job"
A temporary task.
This is just a babysitting job until I find something better.
casualEasily Confused
Both look after kids.
Nanny is long-term/professional; babysitter is temporary.
The nanny lives with us; the babysitter comes on Fridays.
Both look after kids.
Au pair is a foreign exchange student who lives with the family.
Our au pair helps with the kids and learns English.
Similar structure.
Pet sitter looks after animals.
We hired a pet sitter for the dog.
Both involve care.
Guardian has legal authority.
The child's legal guardian is the aunt.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + hire + a babysitter
We hire a babysitter every month.
Subject + be + a babysitter
She is a good babysitter.
Subject + leave + kids + with + a babysitter
We leave the kids with a babysitter.
Subject + call + a babysitter
I will call the babysitter now.
Subject + need + a babysitter
We need a babysitter for the weekend.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
A nanny is a professional, long-term employee, while a babysitter is temporary.
While used colloquially, it can be insulting to call an adult a babysitter.
It is a countable noun.
It is a single compound word.
The adjective form is 'babysitting' (e.g., babysitting duties).
Tips
Think of 'Baby' + 'Sit'
Break the word into two parts to remember it easily.
Use it for short periods
Use 'babysitter' for evenings or a few hours.
First Job
In the US, it is often a first job for teenagers.
Countable Noun
Always use 'a' or 'the' before it.
Stress the first part
Say BAY-bee-sit-er.
Don't say 'baby-nanny'
Just use 'babysitter' or 'nanny'.
Popularity
The term became popular in the 1940s.
Contextualize
Write a sentence about your own childhood experience with a sitter.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A baby sits, and the sitter watches.
Visual Association
A teenager reading a book to a child in a living room.
Word Web
Challenge
Ask a friend if they have ever worked as a babysitter.
Word Origin
English
Original meaning: A person who sits with a baby.
Cultural Context
Ensure the term is not used to belittle professional childcare workers.
In the US and UK, it is a rite of passage for teenagers to earn money as a babysitter.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- Is the babysitter here?
- Pay the babysitter
- Call the babysitter
Planning an evening
- Find a babysitter
- Need a babysitter
- Check if the babysitter is free
Teenage jobs
- My first babysitting job
- Good money for a babysitter
- I love babysitting
Emergency
- Emergency number for the babysitter
- Babysitter cancelled
- Babysitter is late
Conversation Starters
"Did you have a babysitter when you were a child?"
"What makes a good babysitter?"
"At what age should a teenager start babysitting?"
"Have you ever had to find a babysitter for an event?"
"What is the most important quality in a babysitter?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your first experience with a babysitter.
Describe what you would do if you were a babysitter for a day.
Why do parents rely on babysitters?
Compare the role of a nanny and a babysitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, a nanny is usually a full-time professional, while a babysitter is temporary.
Yes, but it is usually a term for someone looking after children.
Yes, 'I will babysit tonight'.
Babysitters.
It is neutral and widely used.
There is no direct antonym, but 'parent' is the primary caregiver.
Usually we say 'pet sitter' for animals.
It is a compound of 'baby' and 'sitter'.
Test Yourself
The ___ is playing with the baby.
The person looking after the child is the babysitter.
What does a babysitter do?
Babysitters provide temporary childcare.
A babysitter usually works 24/7 for a family.
Babysitting is typically for short, temporary periods.
Word
Meaning
Matching the verb to the noun.
The babysitter was late.
Score: /5
Summary
A babysitter is a trusted person who looks after children temporarily while their parents are away.
- A babysitter is a temporary childcare provider.
- It is a common job for teenagers.
- The word is a compound of 'baby' and 'sitter'.
- It is used in both literal and figurative ways.
Think of 'Baby' + 'Sit'
Break the word into two parts to remember it easily.
Use it for short periods
Use 'babysitter' for evenings or a few hours.
First Job
In the US, it is often a first job for teenagers.
Countable Noun
Always use 'a' or 'the' before it.
Example
We need to find a babysitter for our date night on Friday.
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