childcare: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal; common in policy, workplace, and domestic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “childcare” mean?
The care and supervision of a child or children, typically provided by someone other than the parents, especially while the parents are at work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The care and supervision of a child or children, typically provided by someone other than the parents, especially while the parents are at work.
The sector, profession, or arrangements involved in caring for children; also used to refer to the specific services (e.g., nurseries, daycares) or the associated costs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'childcare' as a standard compound noun. 'Child care' (open compound) is also found, especially in older or more formal American usage, but 'childcare' (closed) is now dominant in both. The concept is central to public discourse in both cultures.
Connotations
In both, often carries connotations of necessity, expense, and work-life balance. In UK policy contexts, strongly associated with government subsidies and early years education. In the US, may more frequently evoke private market solutions and employer benefits.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties due to social and political importance. Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English in news/policy contexts due to national systems like Ofsted and 'free childcare hours'.
Grammar
How to Use “childcare” in a Sentence
[NOUN] requires/provides/offers childcare[ADJ] childcare is essentialstruggle with/find childcarethe cost/quality of childcareVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “childcare” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The nursery has excellent childcare facilities.
- She works in the childcare sector.
American English
- They offer generous childcare benefits.
- The city has a childcare shortage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in HR regarding employee benefits, flexible working policies, and on-site facilities.
Academic
Studied in sociology, economics (labour force participation), and early childhood education research.
Everyday
Used when discussing family logistics, costs of nurseries, or finding a childminder.
Technical
In UK policy, refers to Ofsted-regulated provision for children from birth to 5 (or older).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “childcare”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “childcare”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “childcare”
- Using it as a countable noun (*I need a childcare). Correct: 'I need childcare' or 'I need a childcare place/provider'.
- Confusing 'childcare' (service) with 'childcare worker' (person).
- Spelling as 'child care' inconsistently within a single text.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The closed compound 'childcare' (one word) is now standard in both UK and US English, though the open form 'child care' is still sometimes seen, especially in formal American contexts.
'Childcare' is a broader, more formal term for ongoing, regular care (often during work hours). 'Babysitting' typically refers to occasional, often evening care provided for a short period.
Not typically. The term strongly implies care provided by someone other than the parents, usually as a paid or organized service.
Yes, very commonly in an attributive position (before a noun), e.g., 'childcare costs', 'childcare provider', 'childcare sector'.
The care and supervision of a child or children, typically provided by someone other than the parents, especially while the parents are at work.
Childcare is usually neutral to formal; common in policy, workplace, and domestic contexts. in register.
Childcare: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaɪldkeə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaɪldker/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The childcare juggle (metaphor for balancing work and care)”
- “Childcare desert (area with few/no providers)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **child** needing **care** while the car (sounds like 'care') is driven to work. 'Childcare' is what you need for the child while you drive to your job.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHILDCARE IS A FOUNDATION/BURDEN. (e.g., 'The foundation of a working parent's life'; 'A huge financial burden').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most typical usage of 'childcare'?