caregiver

noun

care·​giv·​er ˈker-ˌgi-vər How to pronounce caregiver (audio)
plural caregivers
: a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)
The care of a patient with Alzheimer's Disease or a related disorder can be a physical, emotional and financial drain on the family caregiver.Diane Duquette Ascioti
Each child was rated by at least one parent. Questionnaires completed by another significant caregiver (teacher or daycare provider) were available on 85% of the sample …Alan E. Kazdin et al.
You probably can imagine the difficulty a caregiver can have getting an immobile patient into a whirlpool.Paul G. Donahue
caregiving noun
… researchers have repeatedly documented the psychiatric and physical health effects of family caregiving. Richard Schulz et al.
Many readers … had their own stories of being treated badly at work because of caregiving duties. Sue Shellenbarger
One of the most significant ways you can help animals, educate yourself about the joys and heartbreaks of caregiving and earn untold psychic rewards is to volunteer at a shelter. Wendy Christensen

Examples of caregiver in a Sentence

When she got sick her husband became her primary caregiver. he could no longer keep up his role as caregiver for his sick wife
Recent Examples on the Web Carter was well-known for her lifetime devotion to mental health issues and supporting caregivers. Kevin Sullivan, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2023 In addition to its educational programming, like Empowerment Day, the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego has a mentor program for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family caregivers to connect with those who share the experience of living with the disease. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2023 Assembly Most play tents and houses will require some assembly by caregivers. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 25 Nov. 2023 For caregivers, preventing dehydration can be an ongoing challenge that involves difficult decisions. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023 Since launching, Ellen DaSilva, Summer Health’s CEO and founder, noticed that caregivers want more streamlined communication with experts around nutrition, sleep, and mental health—topics where a 15-minute text exchange with an expert can help crack the code. Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 13 Nov. 2023 Perhaps even more importantly, before, during and after her time in the White House, Rosalynn advocated for the elderly, caregivers and individuals with mental health issues. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Nov. 2023 Health officials also urge parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have been exposed to lead via these products to contact their healthcare providers to report any potential symptoms of lead toxicity and receive care. Julia Landwehr, Health, 15 Nov. 2023 Her second husband, who successfully sued for malpractice, became a devoted caregiver. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caregiver was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near caregiver

Cite this Entry

“Caregiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caregiver. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Medical Definition

caregiver

noun
care·​giv·​er -ˌgiv-ər How to pronounce caregiver (audio)
: a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)
parents and other caregivers
caregiving noun

More from Merriam-Webster on caregiver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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