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

The agency’s own policy requires detaining noncitizen parents or legal guardians, who are primary caretakers or have custody of minor children, in facilities close to their children. —Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 13 June 2025

Thanks to her bellowing sound, the brave caretaker saw the animal in danger and quickly jumped in the water to lift it to dry land. —Allison Moses, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Children must understand that their caretakers are on the same page in order to feel safe. —Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025

Ryan Mason, who has been Postecoglou’s assistant for the past two seasons and previously had two spells as a caretaker, left to become West Bromwich Albion’s head coach. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 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