ayah

noun

Definition of ayahnext
as in amah

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ayah This was a place where other Asians also found a home, notably lascars from India and East Africa, and ayahs abandoned by their English employers after the long sea voyage. — Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ayah
  1. amah
  2. nurse
  3. nanny
Noun
  • In colonial days, many families had a lifelong helper known as an amah (after the Portuguese word for nurse).
    — Time, Time, 23 Jan. 2018
Definition of amah
Noun
  • Staff and faculty question whether expansion serves low-income communities, while nurses describe severe emergency-room crowding.
    — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That led to Jackson Healthcare, a behemoth company that provides contract nurses and other workers to hospitals and health systems, including public entities that have helped fuel Jackson’s fortunes with taxpayer money.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of nurse
Noun
  • There’s always somebody cleaning, a chef, nannies, assistants.
    — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly 8% of families are spending more than $2,000 per month on childcare services, including daycare, nanny services and other programs.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of nanny

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“Ayah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ayah. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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