crèche
0 antonyms and opposites of crèche, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A place where babies and young children are looked after while their parents are at work or otherwise occupied.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A place where babies and young children are looked after while their parents are at work or otherwise occupied.
“The gym has a crèche for members' children.”
2. noun
A model of the nativity scene, with figures of the infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the animals, displayed at Christmas. Chiefly North American.
“A wooden crèche stood beside the altar.”
How to Use Crèche
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The childcare sense is standard in British, Irish and Australian English; Americans say daycare, and for them crèche usually means the nativity scene.
Etymology
From French crèche 'manger, crib', ultimately of Germanic origin and related to English crib.
Full origin of crèche →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crèche and a nursery?
A crèche usually provides short-term, drop-in care while a parent is nearby or at work, and often takes very young babies. A nursery offers regular, booked places and normally includes an early-years educational programme.
Does crèche mean daycare?
In British and Irish English, broadly yes — both describe supervised care for young children. American English generally uses daycare for that and reserves crèche for the Christmas nativity scene.
How do you pronounce crèche?
Most English speakers say 'kresh', rhyming with fresh. A closer-to-French 'kraysh' is also heard and is not wrong.