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

Control of two more, including Whispering Pines, has been given to a caretaker at a creditor’s request in a receivership action brought after loans signed by Shmaryahu Baumgarten went unpaid. —Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024

Safe haven boxes allow parents or caretakers the ability to safely surrender an infant and remain anonymous, but only when the baby is unharmed. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

Ten Hag can quite rightly point to winning two trophies during his time in charge at Old Trafford, more than the six Chelsea managers – caretaker and permanent – who’ve come and gone during his time. —Ben Church, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Many single mothers shoulder the financial responsibility of raising children while also being the primary caretakers, a dynamic that affects their labor market participation and income, according to a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 28 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