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

For individuals who think taking time for themselves is selfish or doesn’t support the mission of their work, education about how self-care can prevent compassion fatigue can make an impact and change attitudes. — Doreen Samelson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Topics include importance of self-care, effective coping skills and how to access local supportive resources. — Jamie Chapman, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026

Your 1st House of Identity softens as the nurturing Moon conjoins tender Chiron there, inviting gentle self-care and a kinder inner voice. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

The 32-year-old actress and podcast host opened up about saving herself a step in a common practice that is part of one’s self-care routine during her appearance on the Are You Okay? — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 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