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

Of the 11 nuns, three are dedicated caretakers for the farm, including Laudeña, who has training in veterinary assistance and examines the rabbits every morning. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

Juan, 55, was the main caretaker for his son. —Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Other family members say Andrade was the primary caretaker for his son. —Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

The estate is also well equipped for staff, with a one-bedroom caretaker’s cottage and a dedicated catering kitchen to handle larger gatherings. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 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