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

Orange County prosecutors also charged Nguyen with animal cruelty and animal abuse by a caretaker, both felonies, and a sentencing enhancement alleging the personal use of a weapon. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026

Burke Dennings, an eccentric film director, is drunk during a party, and harasses Karl, the family caretaker. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

Tom Luther, 73, was also a caretaker for Luther during her recovery. — Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

The Flax Estate and Vineyard in Sonoma County wine country, once part of Hollywood actor Fred MacMurray’s ranch, has evolved into an expanse that’s home to a vintage farmhouse, caretaker’s cottage and modern home. — Kat Tran october 29, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 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