creche

Thân thiện

A family sets up a small creche on a table during the holiday season.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A model or tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ's birth, typically displayed during Christmas: This meaning refers to a depiction of the Nativity, often featuring figurines of Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, animals, shepherds, and the Magi, arranged in a stable setting.
   • (Chiefly British) A nursery or day-care center where young children are cared for during the day: This meaning refers to a facility that provides supervision and care for infants and young children while their parents or guardians are at work.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Nativity Scene):

  • Every December, the church sets up a beautiful creche in the main hall.
  • The antique creche has been in our family for generations.

• Noun (Day-care center):

  • She drops her son off at the creche every morning before going to the office.
  • The company provides an on-site creche for its employees' children.

Advanced Usage

• The term creche for a Nativity scene is common in many English-speaking countries, especially in religious contexts. The alternative spelling crèche (with a grave accent) is also frequently used, reflecting the word's French origin.
• In British English, using creche to mean a day-care center is standard. In American English, the equivalent terms are typically "daycare," "daycare center," or "nursery."

Variants and Related Words

• Crèche: An alternative spelling, especially common when referring to the Nativity scene.
• Nativity scene: A direct synonym for the first meaning of creche.
• Manger scene: Another synonym for the Nativity depiction, referencing the manger (feeding trough) where the infant Jesus was laid.

Synonyms

• For the Nativity scene: Nativity, manger scene, crib (common in British English for this meaning).
• For the childcare facility: Daycare (center), nursery, child-minding center.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To set up the creche: This phrase specifically refers to the act of assembling and displaying a Nativity scene, often as a Christmas tradition.
  • It's our family tradition to set up the creche on the first Sunday of Advent.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a representation of Christ's nativity in the stable at Bethlehem
2. a hospital where foundlings (infant children of unknown parents) are taken in and cared for

Từ đồng nghĩa

• foundling hospital