au pair UK /əʊ ˈpɛə/US /oʊ ˈpɛ(ə)ɹ/noun 2adverb 1forms 1 noun2 •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). •(no longer used) An au pair working arrangement (see Adverb). adverb1 •On a working basis by which work done by one party is rewarded by benefits (especially board and lodging) rather than by monetary remuneration.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’. — 1958 formsau pairs
