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 complaint filed by Saxon alleges Ye hired Saxon as a project manager, whose roles included being full-time security and a live-in caretaker for the property. —Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

The new owners see themselves as caretakers. —Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026

Though Jawscritters notes there is likely still some room for improvement in the design, the aquarium caretaker seems pleased with Moses’s newfound mobility. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026

Many of her works place a child at the center of the scene among family, friends and caretakers, who usually appear shadow-like at the edges of the paintings. —Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 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