By definition, a governess was an unmarried woman who lived in someone else's home, which meant that she was subject to their rules. In any case, she had to maintain an impeccable …

The meaning of GOVERNESS is a woman who governs.

/ ˈɡʌv·ər·nəs / Add to word list (esp. in the past) a woman who lives with a family and educates the children at home (Definition of governess from the Cambridge Academic Content …

Definition of governess noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

GOVERNESS definition: a woman who is employed to take charge of a child's upbringing, education, etc. See examples of governess used in a sentence.

In the past, a governess was a woman who is employed by a family to live with them and educate their children.

governess (ˈɡʌvənɪs) n (Education) a woman teacher employed in a private household to teach and train the children

Nov 1, 2025 · governess (third-person singular simple present governesses, present participle governessing, simple past and past participle governessed) To work as governess; to educate …

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun governess, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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