caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈker-ˌtā-kər How to pronounce caretaker (audio)
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 verb
caretaking noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But also being able to really dive more deeply into the caretaker element of the story and make Nikki’s character go on her own journey. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025 The victim’s caretaker interrupted the attack, and Choi fled. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 City ploughed their faith into Van Nistelrooy in November on the back of his stint as Manchester United’s caretaker boss. Phil Hay, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 When caretakers first introduced Abrazzo and Mommy in 2022, the two elderly tortoises didn’t immediately hit it off. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for caretaker

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caretaker was in 1801

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Cite this Entry

“Caretaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caretaker. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

caretaker

noun
care·​tak·​er ˈke(ə)r-ˌtā-kər How to pronounce caretaker (audio)
ˈka(ə)r-
: one that takes care of buildings or land often for an absent owner

More from Merriam-Webster on caretaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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