housekeeper

[hous-kee-per]

noun

1. a person, often hired, who does or directs the domestic work and planning necessary for a home, as cleaning or buying food.

2. an employee of a hotel, hospital, etc., who supervises the cleaning staff.

housekeeper

/ ˈhaʊsˌkiːpə /

noun

1. a person, esp a woman, employed to run a household

2. a person who is not an efficient and thrifty domestic manager

3. a person who is an efficient and thrifty domestic manager

Other Word Forms

• housekeeperlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of housekeeper¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, housekeeper is from the late Middle English word houskeper. See house, keeper

Example Sentences

At the time, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology grad still lived with his parents — a Mexican-born housekeeper and a short-order cook — in Pacoima.

From Los Angeles Times

A housekeeper with a modest income, she was slowly bled for more than $100,000 through a mix of false assurances and threats.

From Los Angeles Times

Swit was found by her housekeeper around 10 a.m., according to publicist Harlan Boll, who said he had been on the phone with her at 11 p.m. local time Thursday night — 2 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Three are former housekeepers and one was the singer's personal assistant, cook and hairdresser, according to court documents.

From BBC

Three are former housekeepers and one was the singer’s personal assistant, cook and hairdresser, per court documents reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caretaker 
• chambermaid 
• housemaid 
• housewife 
• maid 
• servant