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

Eventually, Lai Mah became the caretaker of Susan’s entire wardrobe. —Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 13 June 2026

These affairs offer up, for fondling, the entirety of a home’s viscera upon the death of its caretaker. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Cantway-Cook was her mother’s caretaker during the latter years of her life, looking after her in her Homewood home. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026

Its next caretaker was prominent Lamborghini collector Richard Molke of New Jersey, who immediately commissioned a full engine rebuild. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 10 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