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 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
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
These tiny plastic pieces emerge as bottles are made, stored, transported and broken down, and shed particles when they’re manipulated and exposed to sunlight or temperature changes, experts cautioned.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
This transformation, McVey cautioned, takes time to unfold.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
These tiny plastic pieces emerge as bottles are made, stored, transported and broken down, and shed particles when they’re manipulated and exposed to sunlight or temperature changes, experts cautioned.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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