What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nursemaid
Example
The nursemaid at the daycare center was very patient with the children. [nursemaid: noun]
Example
She worked as a nursemaid for several families before becoming a full-time nanny. [nursemaid: noun]
nanny
Example
The family hired a nanny to take care of their children while they were at work. [nanny: noun]
Example
She has been working as a nanny for over a decade and has become like a second mother to the children. [nanny: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nanny is more commonly used than nursemaid in everyday language. Nanny is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while nursemaid is less common and typically used in formal settings such as daycare centers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nursemaid and nanny?
Nursemaid is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while nanny is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.