1
: warning, admonishment
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
2
: precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
Use caution when operating a chain saw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
some shoes you see … these days are a caution—
Esquire
EsquireExamples of caution in a Sentence
Noun
You should use caution when operating the electric saw.
He injected a note of caution in his talk.
Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.
The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.
She was given a caution by the magistrate.
Verb
Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.
“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.
He was cautioned for speeding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
One of the main topics of discussion included a real-word anecdote that speaks to the caution companies and individuals must take in handling this new technology.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Tiana Lowe Doescher, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
The observatory cautioned residents to stay indoors and to wear masks outside if ash is present.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
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Noun
But other reports on consumer sentiment and retail sales have revealed rising caution from consumers.
—Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
One of the main topics of discussion included a real-word anecdote that speaks to the caution companies and individuals must take in handling this new technology.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Grenell, Trump’s former envoy to Serbia and Kosovo and now the presidential envoy for special missions, has stood by Vucic and cautioned not his administration but the protesters.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
The observatory cautioned residents to stay indoors and to wear masks outside if ash is present.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
Articles Related to caution
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caution
1 of 2 noun
cau·tion
ˈkȯ-shən 
1
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention
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