caution

1 of 2

noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən 

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

cautionary

ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē 

-ne-rē

adjective

caution

2 of 2

verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to advise caution to : warn

She cautioned him not to act rashly.

Synonyms of caution

Noun

• prudence
• carefulness
• care
• circumspection
• cautiousness

Verb

• warn
• alert
• advise

Examples 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

Noun

None were remotely reckless, and none prevented a promising attack, which are the usual triggers for cautions. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Local safety officials in several towns have urged caution, saying that complex technical questions about assembly techniques and fire safety must be fully answered. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Verb

Ortega cautioned that there can be other factors at play when food prices go up or down. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

While Friday’s data looked positive at first glance, economists cautioned that due to seasonal factors, the month of August often faces revisions to its employment data later in the year. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

First Known Use

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing caution

• err on the side of caution
• throw/fling/cast caution to the wind

Rhymes for caution

• washin
• laplacian
• poblacion
• precaution

Kids Definition

caution

1 of 2 noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən 

1

: admonition, warning

2

: carefulness in regard to danger

3

: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention

caution

2 of 2 verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to advise caution to : warn