precaution
noun
pre·cau·tion
pri-ˈkȯ-shən 
1
: care taken in advance : foresight
warned of the need for precaution
2
: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good : safeguard
take the necessary precautions
Examples of precaution in a Sentence
Be sure to follow the usual safety precautions when cooking outdoors.
When driving, she always wears her seatbelt as a precaution.
Every home owner should take precautions against fire.
She took the precaution of packing extra medicine for the trip.
Recent Examples on the Web
Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat.
—
Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Castor oil packs are generally safe for most people when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:13141516
Skin reactions: Castor oil may cause itching, redness, or rashes in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025
The governor’s announcement included a list of other precautions, such as limiting exercise or outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing sun protection like sunscreen and lightweight clothes, and drinking more liquids regardless of activity level.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
The original discussion to remove thimerosal was contentious but understandable: a precaution taken in a vacuum of information.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precaution
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.
Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Castor oil packs are generally safe for most people when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:13141516
Skin reactions: Castor oil may cause itching, redness, or rashes in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025
The governor’s announcement included a list of other precautions, such as limiting exercise or outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing sun protection like sunscreen and lightweight clothes, and drinking more liquids regardless of activity level.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
The original discussion to remove thimerosal was contentious but understandable: a precaution taken in a vacuum of information.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Cite this Entry
“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precaution. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precaution
noun
pre·cau·tion
pri-ˈkȯ-shən
1
: care taken in advance : foresight
2
: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or to bring about a good result
take precautions against fire
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share