plural cares
1
: effort made to do something correctly, safely, or without causing damage
She used care in selecting a doctor for her son.
a box marked "Handle With Care" [=handle carefully]
2
a
: things that are done to keep someone healthy, safe, etc.
The children have inadequate medical care and little formal education.
We need to provide poor people with better dental care.
He is under a doctor's care. [=is being treated by a doctor]
The boys were in the care of [=being looked after by] their grandparents.
b
: things that are done to keep something in good condition
She wrote a book about car care.
With proper care, the machine should last a decade or more.
She is an expert on skin/hair care.
She knows a lot about the care and feeding of horses.
These machines don't need a lot of care and feeding. [=maintenance]
3
: something that causes you to feel worried or unhappy
He acts as if he doesn't have a care in the world. [=as if he has no worries]
She looks as if all the cares of the world are on her shoulders.
cares; cared; caring
1
: to feel interest in something : to be interested in or concerned about something
He doesn't care if he gets fired.
—often + aboutI don't care about your little problems.
He cares deeply about religion.
I care what happens to her.
2
: to feel affection for someone
On Valentine's Day, send her flowers to show that you care.
I didn't know you cared.
3
somewhat formal
: to want to do something or to be something
I wouldn't care [=like] to have to make that decision.
I wouldn't care to be in your shoes right now.
I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me?
He'll show the photos to anyone who cares to see them.
More factors influenced her decision than she cares to admit.
Cite this Entry
“Care.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/care. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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