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 Diaper Bank makes other arguments: A reliable supply of clean diapers helps to eliminate $4.3 million in medical costs; The lack thereof can lead to maternal depression and potentially child abuse as constant crying wears on caretakers. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025

We are meant to think of ourselves as natural caretakers who immediately bond with our children as a matter of species survival. —Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025

While caring for your significant other is natural and often necessary, consistently acting as a caretaker can create an unbalanced dynamic that leaves both individuals dissatisfied. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

The 24 celebrity players packed up their bags in 2024 and crossed the pond to film in a Scottish castle complete with sprawling grounds and a quirky caretaker. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025

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