self-care

noun

ˌself-ˈker 

: care for oneself

stroke victims capable of daily self-care

the necessity of busy working parents to take time for self-care

specifically : health care provided by oneself often without the consultation of a medical professional

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are a common route for self-care, and consumers are eagerly using them …

—Alison Stein Wellner

—sometimes used before another noun

At-home screening is one side of the burgeoning self-care movement …

—Stephen Rae

Examples of self-care in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The day is designed to help students better understand the effects of technology use, nutrition and self-care on their well-being and academic performance. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Her work spans beauty, self-care, fashion, lifestyle, cooking and homemaking. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

Her content spans beauty, self-care, fashion, lifestyle, cooking and homemaking. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

Since then, her universe has expanded to span beauty, self-care, fashion, cooking and homemaking. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-care

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Medical Definition

self-care

noun

-ˈke(ə)r 

: care for oneself : self-treatment