- supervised daytime care for preschool children, the elderly, or those with chronic disabilities, usually provided at a center outside the home: Finding quality day care that we can afford has been challenging.
- of, relating to, or providing day care: daycare center;day-care program.
- occupation, treatment, or supervision during the working day for people who might be at risk if left on their own, or whose usual carers need daytime relief
- welfare services provided by a local authority, health service, or voluntary body during the day
- NZ short for daycare centre
