1
: warning, admonishment
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
2
: precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
Use caution when operating a chainsaw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
Some shoes you see … these days are a caution.—
Esquire
EsquireExamples of caution in a Sentence
Noun
You should use caution when operating the electric saw.
He injected a note of caution in his talk.
Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.
The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.
She was given a caution by the magistrate.
Verb
Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.
“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.
He was cautioned for speeding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
Yun Li, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
At the January forum, Unlock MLS researcher Vaike O’Grady cautioned that residential real estate is likely to be more competitive this year than during the pandemic-era surge.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for caution
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Noun
Small craft should exercise caution across offshore Atlantic waters for east winds 15 to 20 knots.
—Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
The real big test Even as investors praised the tone and structure of Abel's debut letter, analysts cautioned that the real test is still ahead.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
At the January forum, Unlock MLS researcher Vaike O’Grady cautioned that residential real estate is likely to be more competitive this year than during the pandemic-era surge.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for caution
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caution
1 of 2 noun
cau·tion
ˈkȯ-shən 
1
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention
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