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

Since my late 20s, skin care tools of all kinds have become a part of my self-care ritual; my bathroom is basically a mini spa, home to a CurrentBody LED mask and my trusty FaceGym gua sha. —Shani Cohen, Glamour, 12 Nov. 2025

For McMichael, self-care is non-negotiable. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 11 Nov. 2025

Jhené Aiko will receive the Glow Getter Award, which honors women who embody wellness, self-care and purpose. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025

Comeback season is also when the five really hone in on self-care, Yeji emphasizing sleep and working out and Chaeryeong fitting stretches into her rituals. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

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