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 top spot goes to a sprawling $10 million, 30-acre compound overlooking the Swinging Bridge Reservoir, which spans more than 13,000 square feet with 12 bedrooms, 11 baths, a four-bedroom guesthouse, a caretaker’s apartment, and amenities from tennis courts to a private boat ramp. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025

Maybe these sunny characteristics became her trauma response, her way of becoming lovable to caretakers who didn’t want her? —Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025

Another third major character is Buschi’s caretaker [played by Bettina Stucky], who keeps running after him and adds a kind of slapstick element to the story. —Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

Animal caretakers—who might be tasked with counting—already tend to be overworked. —Melanie D.g. Kaplan, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

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