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 of caretaker

• custodian
• keeper
• janitor
• warden
• guardian

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

Given the severity of her infection — and the fact that another child from the same orphanage also tested positive for hepatitis B — Kamischke, now 63, tells PEOPLE that Maren was likely not infected at birth, but by a caretaker. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

In 1999, James and Mary Bryant became Casa de la Torre’s caretakers for 16 years, updating the kitchen and bath while staying true to the building’s historical integrity. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 11 Dec. 2025

But as long as as the indefatigable Warren continues to cast her aural spells, the music industry will have a devoted caretaker. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Others experienced physical abuse, homelessness or their caretakers were incarcerated. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 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