self-care

noun

ˌself-ˈker 

: care for oneself

stroke victims capable of daily self-care

the necessity of busy working parents to take time for self-care

specifically : health care provided by oneself often without the consultation of a medical professional

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are a common route for self-care, and consumers are eagerly using them …

—Alison Stein Wellner

—sometimes used before another noun

At-home screening is one side of the burgeoning self-care movement …

—Stephen Rae

Examples of self-care in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of these compounds’ efficacy and safety remain incompletely and properly evaluated in humans, and continue to be used outside conventional medical frameworks, increasingly marketed with the language of longevity, optimization, and self-care. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

All that’s left is tucking in at the counter, my home version of a restaurant bar, where dining solo feels like luxurious self-care, and anything but lonely. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026

Early in the day, the moon will harmonize with Venus in Virgo, encouraging discernment, thoughtful gestures and self-care. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

For me, that means spending a few precious moments on my self-care routine, which lately has involved Native Eucalyptus & Mint Body Lotion. — Parents, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-care

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Medical Definition

self-care

noun

-ˈke(ə)r 

: care for oneself : self-treatment