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?
Examples of care for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In mid-December 2024, Jones temporarily stepped away from the Today show to care for Ojeh, who it was later revealed had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.
—
Jessica Vacco-Bolaños, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Together, those trends make caring for rural residents more expensive than providing the same services in urban areas, and experts are skeptical that even a large one-time investment can move the rural health system out of a pattern of struggling.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
In a Polish community in Detroit in 1937, Florence and her fierce friend Basia hand-roll cigars for very low wages, care for children and try to be home to make supper.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Some boomers play a large role in caring for their grandchildren.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for care for
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jessica Vacco-Bolaños, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Together, those trends make caring for rural residents more expensive than providing the same services in urban areas, and experts are skeptical that even a large one-time investment can move the rural health system out of a pattern of struggling.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
In a Polish community in Detroit in 1937, Florence and her fierce friend Basia hand-roll cigars for very low wages, care for children and try to be home to make supper.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Some boomers play a large role in caring for their grandchildren.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for care for
Cite this Entry
“Care for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20for. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share