What does nanny mean?
A nanny is a woman employed to care for children, commonly in their home and often in a live-in arrangement. The role normally includes supervising children, helping with meals and daily routines, and responding to their needs while their parents are at work or otherwise unavailable. In British English, “nanny” is a familiar standard term and may carry a slightly formal tone. It is also understood in American English, though its use there can sound more informal and the arrangements it describes vary. In the expression “nanny state,” the word has a political meaning: a government is accused of being overly protective, paternalistic, or unwilling to let citizens make their own choices. This usage is predominantly critical and appears in British and North American political debate. Although “nanny” also refers to a traditional childcare occupation, its best-known figurative role is that of a symbol of state paternalism.
nounA woman employed to care for children in their home, typically as a live-in caregiver. The term can also appear attributively in the political expression “nanny state.”
- A woman hired to care for children, usually in the children's home and often as a live-in employee.
- An attributive use in “nanny state,” meaning a government characterized as excessively protective or paternalistic.
"They hired a live-in nanny to care for the children while both parents worked."
"The nanny took the children to the park while their parents attended the meeting."
"Critics dismissed the proposed regulations as the product of a nanny state."
The standard plural adds “-ies” to the final “y.”
"The agency placed several experienced nannies with families in the city."
A nanny can be a trusted caregiver—or, in “nanny state,” a government accused of treating citizens like children.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nanny come from?
The precise origin of “nanny” is uncertain. It has been in use since at least the late sixteenth century and has often been connected with the name Anna as a familiar diminutive, although that derivation is not securely established. The political expression “nanny state” belongs to the late twentieth century and uses the word metaphorically to describe government perceived as paternalistic or excessively protective.
Related word forms
How nanny is actually used
The word is common in British English, where it may sound more formal than “babysitter.” In US English it is understood but is often more informal than “nanny,” “child caregiver,” or “au pair,” depending on the intended arrangement. The political expression is chiefly British but is also used in North America and is generally critical or derogatory.
Easily confused with nanny
A nanny usually lives in the child's home and provides regular or full-time care, whereas a babysitter typically looks after children temporarily.
A nanny primarily supervises and cares for children, while the historically narrower term governess traditionally implies responsibility for a child's education as well.