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

His 81-year-old partner has struggled without Vela Gonzalez, her primary caretaker. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Most recently, Jackson’s namesake was appointed Burnley’s caretaker manager until the end of the 2025/26 season. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

During his testimony, the prosecution produced a spiral notebook in which Clancy had left instructions for caretakers on when to put down the baby, which vegetables to prepare for dinner, how to cut up the sweet potatoes. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

The regulations list possibilities including guest houses, caretaker residences, cabanas, gyms, libraries, pool houses, boat houses and detached garages. — Luisa Yanez updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 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