creche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, British English
Quick answer
What does “creche” mean?
A place where babies and young children are cared for during the day while their parents are at work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place where babies and young children are cared for during the day while their parents are at work.
A representation of the Nativity scene, especially one with figurines displayed at Christmas; also, a nursery for the young of animals in a zoo or wildlife park.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'creche' is the standard term for a workplace or community childcare facility. In American English, it is almost exclusively used for a Nativity scene display. The childcare sense is marked as a Britishism.
Connotations
In the UK, connotes formal, often institutional childcare. In the US, connotes religious tradition (Christmas) or is perceived as a foreign term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English for childcare. Very low frequency in US English, except in specific religious or zoological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “creche” in a Sentence
The company provides a creche for its employees.We need to enrol our daughter in the creche.The church set up a creche for the Christmas service.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in HR and benefits discussions: 'A subsidised creche is a valuable employee perk.'
Academic
Used in sociology or family policy studies: 'The study examined access to workplace creches.'
Everyday
Used by parents discussing childcare arrangements: 'I drop the baby at the creche at 8 am.'
Technical
In zoology: 'The penguin creche allows chicks to socialise while parents forage.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “creche”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creche”
- Misspelling as 'creche' (missing accent) is common but the accent is often dropped in English.
- Using 'creche' in American English to mean daycare, causing confusion.
- Pronouncing it as /kriːtʃ/ (like 'creak') instead of /kreʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Americans typically say 'daycare', 'daycare center', or 'nursery school' for childcare. 'Creche' in the US usually refers only to a Nativity scene.
It is pronounced /kreʃ/, rhyming with 'fresh'. The 'è' indicates the 'e' sound as in 'bed'.
It comes from French 'crèche', meaning 'manger' or 'crib', which in turn comes from Old High German 'krippa', meaning 'crib'. This explains its dual meaning related to both the Nativity and childcare.
In modern English usage, the accent (crèche) is often omitted, especially in informal writing. Both 'creche' and 'crèche' are considered acceptable.
A place where babies and young children are cared for during the day while their parents are at work.
Creche is usually formal, british english in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CRECHE' as 'CARE' + 'H' for 'Haven' – a haven of care for children.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR THE YOUNG (A creche is a contained, safe space for vulnerable young beings, human or animal).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'creche' MOST commonly used to mean a place for daytime childcare?