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 of caretaker

• custodian
• keeper
• janitor
• warden
• guardian

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

Donica says the next caretaker could be a company or nonprofit organization backed by the state — or the site could go to a new private owner. — Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

After both sides signed the Pretoria peace deal, a caretaker administration seen as loyal to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was installed in Mekelle, the Tigray capital. — Samuel Getachew, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

The women supposedly work more in caretaker jobs like teaching and healthcare, softening their views toward the least of us. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The family comedy-drama follows toddler Poppy who, after a storm hits her English village and separates her from her adult caretaker, must band together with a group of dogs to help guide her home. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

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