noun Uncommon

daycare

DAY-kair

Daycare (noun) means Supervised care for children (or sometimes pets) during working hours, provided by someone other than a parent. Example: “She drops her son off at daycare on her way to work.”

noun

Supervised care for children (or sometimes pets) during working hours, provided by someone other than a parent.

"She drops her son off at daycare on her way to work."

"The daycare center has an outdoor play area for the toddlers."

How to Use Daycare

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChildcare provided during working hours, either at a center or in someone's home.

UK vs US

More common in American English; British English often says "nursery" or "childminder" instead.

Common pairings

daycare center drop off at daycare

Word Forms

daycares plural

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She drops her son off at _____ on her way to work.

Etymology

From "day" plus "care" — care provided during the daytime while parents are at work.

Synonyms

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day care

Rhymes for daycare

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share snare

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “daycare” mean?

The word “daycare” means supervised care for children (or sometimes pets) during working hours, provided by someone other than a parent. In plain terms, childcare provided during working hours, either at a center or in someone's home.

How do you pronounce “daycare”?

“Daycare” is pronounced DAY-kair (/ˈdeɪkeə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “daycare” in a sentence?

Here is “daycare” used in a sentence: “She drops her son off at daycare on her way to work.”

What part of speech is “daycare”?

“Daycare” is a noun.

Is “daycare” a common word?

“Daycare” is an uncommon word in modern English.