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noun

governess

GUH-vuh-nuhs

Governess (noun) means a woman employed to educate children in their own home, typically living with the family. Example: “The children's governess taught them French and arithmetic every morning.”

noun
1
A woman employed to educate children in their own home, typically living with the family.
"The children's governess taught them French and arithmetic every morning."

Word forms

governessed past tense, governesses plural, governesses singular

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The children's _____ taught them French and arithmetic every morning.

Etymology

From Old French governeresse, "female ruler or administrator", eventually narrowed to mean a private live-in tutor for children.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for governess

See all rhymes for governess →

Frequently asked questions

What does “governess” mean?

The word “governess” means a woman employed to educate children in their own home, typically living with the family.

How do you pronounce “governess”?

“Governess” is pronounced GUH-vuh-nuhs (/ˈɡʌvɚnəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “governess” in a sentence?

Here is “governess” used in a sentence: “The children's governess taught them French and arithmetic every morning.”

What part of speech is “governess”?

“Governess” is a noun.

Where does the word “governess” come from?

The word “governess” comes from Old French. From Old French governeresse, "female ruler or administrator", eventually narrowed to mean a private live-in tutor for children.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial