childcare

noun

child·​care ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌker How to pronounce childcare (audio)
variants or child care
: the care of children especially as a service while parents are working
Erratic week-to-week work schedules make it nearly impossible to manage a personal budget or secure childcare.—David Dayen

Examples of childcare in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The event is for all ages and childcare is available for those ages birth to grade 5. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Changes that can diminish and dismantle Head Start during a worsening national childcare crisis are unconscionable and will harm hundreds and thousands of children and families. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 The Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care and the Quad Agency Child Care Initiative were created last year by lawmakers to start addressing the gaps and fractures in the state’s childcare system. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 The nonprofit offers referrals to childcare facilities and affordable care for families. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childcare

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of childcare was in 1896

Rhymes for childcare

See All Rhymes for childcare

Browse Nearby Words

childbirth
childcare
child-centered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childcare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childcare. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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