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 reputation by …

The meaning of GOVERNESS is a woman who governs.

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

/ 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 Dictionary © …

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.

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

Jan 18, 2026 · governess (third-person singular simple present governesses, present participle governessing, simple past and past participle governessed) To work as governess; to educate …

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.

Governess definition: A woman employed to educate and train the children of a private household.

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