noun

crèche

KRESH

Crèche (noun) means a place where babies and young children are looked after while their parents are at work or otherwise occupied. Example: “The gym has a crèche for members' children.”

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."

"She dropped the twins at the crèche before her shift."

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."

technical A group of young birds or animals of several families gathered together and watched over by a few adults.

"Penguin chicks huddle in a crèche while the parents feed at sea."

How to Use Crèche

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA place where small children are looked after for the day.

When to use it

The childcare sense is standard in British, Irish and Australian English; Americans say daycare, and for them crèche usually means the nativity scene.

Memory tip

The accent is often dropped in English writing (creche), but the pronunciation stays 'kresh' either way.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

crèche vs nursery crèche vs daycare crèche vs preschool

Common pairings

workplace crèche free crèche crèche facilities drop-in crèche

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The gym has a _____ for members' children.

Etymology

From French crèche 'manger, crib', ultimately of Germanic origin and related to English crib.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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nursery day nursery daycare childcare centre nativity scene manger scene crib

Related Words

steal kindergarten cradle crib cot daycare abode mnemonic

Rhymes for crèche

che

See all rhymes for 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.

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