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

An interim could be appointed, with BBC insiders suggesting that Rhodri Talfan Davies, the nations and regions chief, is a likely caretaker. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026

As expected, caretaker boss Darren Fletcher opted for a back four — less predictable was the return of Bruno Fernandes, just 17 days after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa. —Chris McKenna, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Comey is a musician and caretaker for his two disabled parents. —Julia Simon, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026

Khan became her daughter’s primary caretaker and did not return to Bangladesh as her visa was expiring. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 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