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

Danielson was struggling as Caleb’s sole caretaker, anchored in Pillar Point’s outer harbor to avoid paying fees. —Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026

My condition rattled our intimacy, upended my career, and made Ethan my caretaker. —Kristina Kasparian, SELF, 22 Apr. 2026

Set in a bitter cold winter during the Civil War, the film revolves around a young woman who becomes the lone caretaker of a remote Union Army outpost. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026

Now, after decades at Franklin Park Zoo, his chapter in the city is coming to a close — but for a purpose his caretakers say matters deeply. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 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