governess

noun

gov·ern·ess ˈgə-vər-nəs

Synonyms of governess

: a woman who governs

: a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household

Examples of governess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

One of her governesses, Leonora, usually keen to practice corporal punishment on nonconforming children, senses this spark in Adelaide and tries to snuff it out for the child’s benefit. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 The less fortunate ones become governesses or companions for older women. — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026 Lowen is a literary equivalent of a governess, hired to take charge of a body of writing rather than the Crawfords’ only remaining child, Crew (Brady Wagner), whose twin sister drowned in an accident that kicked off the family’s tragedies. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026 Zachary Wigon directs, and Maika Monroe stars as Winifred Notty, a governess who tries and fails not to be a complete, well, psycho in this irreverent, gory horror. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for governess

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of governess was in the 15th century

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Browse Nearby Words

governante

governess

governess cart

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Governess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governess. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

governess

noun

gov·ern·ess ˈgəv-ər-nəs

: a woman who teaches and trains a child in a private home

governess

noun

Examples of governess in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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