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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Several Northern Kentucky counties have declared a Level 1 Snow Emergency, advising drivers to use caution.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025
Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025
Kennedy cautioned that the data shouldn't be interpreted as female arrests rising out of control, but as a sign of the male arrest rates dropping rapidly.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
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Noun
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Several Northern Kentucky counties have declared a Level 1 Snow Emergency, advising drivers to use caution.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025
Verb
Marshalek cautioned there's a risk of high out-of-pocket costs in the event of a serious accident or life-threatening diagnosis.
—Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025
Kennedy cautioned that the data shouldn't be interpreted as female arrests rising out of control, but as a sign of the male arrest rates dropping rapidly.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
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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