caution

1 of 2

noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce caution (audio)
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 chain saw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
some shoes you see … these days are a cautionEsquire
cautionary adjective

caution

2 of 2

verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce caution (audio)

transitive verb

: to advise caution to : warn
She cautioned him not to act rashly.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Western leaders have greeted the overthrow of the Assad dynasty by rebel forces with caution, fearing a power vacuum and more instability in the region. Sophie Kiderlin,jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 Fully horizontal meant that oncoming traffic should stop; when the arms were lowered to a 30-degree tilt, traffic could proceed with caution. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
The Chinese Embassy in Washington cautioned on Monday that there will be losers on all sides if there is a trade war. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Nov. 2024 Others will caution against risking the fragile quiet, dismissing violations as minor provocations unworthy of escalation. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caution 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of caution was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near caution

Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

caution

1 of 2 noun
cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce caution (audio)
1
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 How to pronounce caution (audio)
: to advise caution to : warn

More from Merriam-Webster on caution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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