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

The cows are also brushed by caretakers, another way of calming them. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Inciarte’s nieces and sister, as well as her mother and her mother’s caretakers, were in Caracas when the quakes rattled the city. — Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Coniglio also serves as caretaker of the schoolhouse and offers insightful historical lectures and demonstrations throughout the year at the building. — Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026

That caretaker is now facing charges. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 26 June 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