care for

phrasal verb

cared for; caring for; cares for
1
: to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : look after (someone or something)
She cares for elderly patients.
Who is caring for your son while you are at work?
2
: to feel affection for (someone)
I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3
somewhat formal : to like or enjoy (something)
often used in negative statements
I don't care for jelly beans.I don't care for your tone of voice.
4
somewhat formal : to want (something)
Would you care for some pie?

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This effortless two-piece polyester shorts set is so easy to wear and to care for. Alesandra Dubin, Woman's Day Magazine, 20 Apr. 2023 Ahead, find our top picks for low-maintenance houseplants that are pretty and easy to care for: 1 Money Tree Need some good luck? Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, 18 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'care for.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near care for

Cite this Entry

“Care for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20for. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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