French word

crèche

Pronunciation

IPA/kʁɛʃ/

Meaning

  • feminine noundaycare

Example

Mon fils va à la crèche tous les matins.

My son goes to daycare every morning.

Illustration for crèche (daycare)

More examples

La crèche municipale est proche de notre maison.

The municipal daycare center is close to our house.

Core concept

A supervised group setting that combines daily care, early activities, and social time for very young children.

Common phrases

  • déposer son enfant à la crèche

    drop off one's child at daycare

  • trouver une place en crèche

    find a spot at daycare

  • la crèche municipale

    the municipal daycare center

Similar words

garderie: A childcare facility caring for children during the day or after school.
nounou: A colloquial term for someone who looks after children at home.
école maternelle: A preschool where young children learn through play and group activities.
assistante maternelle: A registered childcare provider caring for a small group of children at home.

Definition in French

Lieu d'accueil de jour pour enfants très jeunes, proposant garde collective et activités adaptées aux nourrissons et tout-petits.

Word origin

The French noun crèche developed from Old French creche and ultimately Late Latin cripia, first referring to a manger before gaining its childcare meaning.

Usage tips

  • Crèche can also mean a nativity scene, so context distinguishes a childcare centre from a religious display, especially at Christmas.

Other meanings

  • nativity scenenoun

Related words

  • micro-crèchesmall daycare centernoun

Word lists with this word