caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈker-ˌtā-kər 

1

: one that gives physical or emotional care and support

served as caretaker to the younger children

2

: one that takes care of the house or land of an owner who may be absent

3

: one temporarily fulfilling the function of office

a caretaker government

caretake

ˈker-ˌtāk 

verb

caretaking

ˈker-ˌtā-kiŋ 

noun

Synonyms

• custodian
• guardian
• janitor
• keeper
• warden
• watchman

Examples of caretaker in a Sentence

We have a caretaker who watches the place for us while we are away.

hired a caretaker for the mansion during the winter months

Recent Examples on the Web

Kindly caretakers of youths in prewar times (Judge Hardy in the Hardy films helps his aw-shucks son navigate chaste first kisses, etc.) retreat from view. —Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025

Next to the main house is the two-bedroom caretaker’s home, and another two guest houses sit a bit farther afield. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 June 2025

The bills previously had been vetoed by Yoon during his term and by South Korea's caretaker government after his Dec. 14 impeachment. —The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2025

There, aside veterinarians and caretakers, these bears embark on the journey of rehabilitation. —Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for caretaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker
• icebreaker

Kids Definition

caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈke(ə)r-ˌtā-kər 

ˈka(ə)r-

: one that takes care of buildings or land often for an absent owner