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

To celebrate the completion of his treatment and the start of Kyle's next chapter, his quarantine caretakers threw him a graduation party. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

Marjory Johnston was Daniel’s caretaker toward the end of his life and is currently working on a book of his art. —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026

There’s also a 5,000-square-foot guest penthouse, a two-bedroom guardhouse, and a caretaker property on the estate. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026

At Real Madrid, Alvaro Arbeloa is, for now, the caretaker of another of Mourinho’s former clubs, having stepped into the breach following Xabi Alonso’s swift dismissal. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 27 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