caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈker-ˌtā-kər 

1

: one that gives physical or emotional care and support

served as caretaker to the younger children

2

: one that takes care of the house or land of an owner who may be absent

3

: one temporarily fulfilling the function of office

a caretaker government

caretake

ˈker-ˌtāk 

verb

caretaking

ˈker-ˌtā-kiŋ 

noun

Synonyms

• custodian
• guardian
• janitor
• keeper
• warden
• watchman

Examples of caretaker in a Sentence

We have a caretaker who watches the place for us while we are away.

hired a caretaker for the mansion during the winter months

Recent Examples on the Web

The story of a college dropout who becomes his terminally ill grandmother’s caretaker prompted a local viral trend of social media users filming themselves crying after seeing it. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024

State of ruff: His caretakers at Pasco County Animal Services describe him as eager, fun, and energetic. —Yacob Reyes, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

The full process will take about three to four weeks, with caretakers expecting Pesto to lose all of his youthful down by sometime in November. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

Babe is the heartwarming story of an adorable piglet who aspires to be a sheepdog—much to the delight of Arthur Hoggett (James Cromwell, who received an Oscar nod for the role), a farmer and Babe’s caretaker. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈke(ə)r-ˌtā-kər 

ˈka(ə)r-

: one that takes care of buildings or land often for an absent owner