babysitting
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈbeɪbiˌsɪtɪŋ/
KK: /ˈbeɪbiˌsɪtɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The job of taking care of children when their parents are not around.
Example
She earns extra money by babysitting on weekends.
Conversation
I just got a new job doing babysitting for my neighbor's kids.
That sounds fun! How old are they?
They’re both under five, so it should be quite an adventure.
Definitely! You’ll have stories to share after each babysitting session.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
childcare
nannying
sitting
Antonyms
neglect
abandonment
disregard
verb
Definition
To take care of a child or children while their parents are away, usually for a short period of time.
Example
She is babysitting her neighbor's kids this weekend.
Tense Forms
Past: babysat
Past Participle: babysat
Conversation
Are you free this weekend for some fun activities?
Actually, I have to help my sister by babysitting her kids.
Oh, that sounds like a handful!
Root Explanation
Babysitting → It is formed from "baby" (from Middle English *babe*, meaning an infant or very young child) and "sitting" (from Old English *sittan*, meaning to sit). The word refers to the act of sitting with or caring for a baby or young child.
Memory Tip
Think of 'sitting' with a 'baby' — that's why babysitting means taking care of a baby.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.