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

Chan says the choice was tied to a broader decision to root the film in the patient’s own experience rather than a family’s or caretaker’s view of her. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Alongside another caretaker in the department, Scruggs pays for Cheeto’s care and medical expenses out of pocket. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

And yet the key to understanding a cat’s meow will often rest specifically with that cat’s caretaker. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The former couple shared custody of Roan after finalizing the divorce in 2004, though Bronstein became Roan’s primary caretaker. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 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