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

If a child has consumed a delta-8 product and is not having the life-threatening symptoms described above, a caretaker should call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222). —John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

Parents aren’t the only caretakers who have to negotiate their children’s relationship to screens—some pet owners also use apps to keep their animals occupied. —Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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