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

For nearly four decades, Martins has operated like a caretaker. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

The caretaker of a 40-year-old San Jose man with developmental disabilities who died of neglect was arrested on a homicide charge last week, police said. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Since Callejas’ deportation, the children have been with a caretaker, and a judge has allowed their father more time with them, according to lawyers for both parents. —Jeff Ernsthausen, ProPublica, 23 Mar. 2026

Hsu, the owner of the property being landscaped, a vacation rental, said Burke is a caretaker for an adjacent property and lives on the parcel. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 21 Mar. 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