1. Resembling or characteristic of a nanny; overly protective, fussy, or controlling in a maternal way.
Usage: informal; often used critically or disapprovingly
2. Of or relating to government or institutional policies perceived as paternalistic or intrusive into personal freedoms.
Usage: informal; often used in political or social criticism

Examples

• Her nannyish approach to parenting left her teenagers feeling suffocated.
• The new workplace policies seemed nannyish, dictating everything from break times to dress codes.
• He found his mother's nannyish concern about his diet annoying now that he was an adult.
• Critics called the government's restrictions nannyish and unnecessary.
• The coach's nannyish insistence on bedtimes frustrated the older players on the team.