au pair
/oʊ ˈpɛ(ə)ɹ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.94 in modern English
8
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
adv
On a working basis by which work done by one party is rewarded by benefits (especially board and lodging) rather than by monetary remuneration.
noun
A person (especially a young woman) working in such a way; now specifically, a foreign worker who helps a host family with childcare, housework, or both while staying as a guest with a host family, and generally receives a small allowance (or pocket money).
Example Sentences
- "Several thousand girls now come over from the continent to live for six months au pair with British families to learn English—and to perform ‘light domestic duties’."
- "‘I shall try to get a position au pair to pay my expenses.’"
- "H-2B visas are for unskilled seasonal workers, including landscapers, forestry workers and summer resort workers, while J-1s are for exchange visitors who come for short stays, typically for summer work, brief internships or to be au pairs."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /oʊ ˈpɛ(ə)ɹ/
- British English: /əʊ ˈpɛə/