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

Moments of restoration continue at the resort’s spa, where treatments are rooted in relaxation, renewal and self-care. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

For many, turning financial awareness into a self-care ritual may be among the most impactful wellness practices available today. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Parents can learn valuable lessons about self-care, patience, and connection alongside their children. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 27 July 2026

Hand or wrist symptoms that persist beyond the seven-to-10-day self-care window flagged by University of Utah Health. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 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