self-care

noun

: 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
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.
Not only are the girls learning the science behind self-care and beauty, they're also being inspired to think of themselves as product creators and maybe eventually business owners. Libby Smith, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 While some people view tubs as bulky and unnecessary, others see them as essential, whether for self-care or resale value. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026 But experts agree, caring for others shouldn’t mean neglecting self-care. Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026 Some were told to practice more self-care, as if a yoga class could fix a neurodevelopmental condition compounded by systemic abandonment. Sarah Oreck, SELF, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-care

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-care was in 1841

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-care. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

self-care

noun
: care for oneself : self-treatment
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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