# babysitter

/ˈbeɪbiˌsɪtɝ/ (US) · /bˈeɪbɪsˌɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/babysitter
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

someone who looks after children for a short time while the parents are out. You usually pay this person for their time.

For teachers: a person engaged to care for children temporarily in the absence of their parents.

## Examples

- We need to find a babysitter for Friday night.
- The teenager next door earns extra money working as a babysitter for several families on our street.
- Reliable childcare is often difficult to secure on short notice, leading many parents to maintain a list of trusted babysitters who can step in during emergencies.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verb 'to hire' or 'to find'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.