wet nurse
A 'wet nurse' is a woman who breastfeeds and cares for another woman's child, a practice common in historical societies.
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Definition
B2Caregiving
(historical)A woman who breastfeeds and cares for another woman's child.
Example
- In the 18th century, wealthy families often employed a wet nurse for their infants.
- The wet nurse took over the baby's feeding and care when the mother was unable to do so.
C1Figurative
(informal)Someone who provides excessive care or attention to another person.
Example
- His friends joked that he was acting like a wet nurse, always fussing over everyone's needs.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wet nurse":