self-care

noun

ˌself-ˈker 

: care for oneself

stroke victims capable of daily self-care

the necessity of busy working parents to take time for self-care

specifically : health care provided by oneself often without the consultation of a medical professional

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are a common route for self-care, and consumers are eagerly using them …

—Alison Stein Wellner

—sometimes used before another noun

At-home screening is one side of the burgeoning self-care movement …

—Stephen Rae

Examples of self-care in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trend among the elite to use self-care as a luxurious commodity rather than a conduit for genuine restoration turns self-care into a performance of power and a tool of exclusivity. —Akilah Sailers, Essence, 5 Apr. 2025

Self-Care and Mental Clarity For me, inspiration is closely tied to self-care. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025

Many therapies focus on self-care and developing coping skills, such as:19 Exercise: Staying physically active and getting exercise boosts mood, improves sleep, and eases depression, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025

The glorification of exhaustion—once a badge of honor—is fading, as it is now seen as a lack of self-care and self-worth. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-care

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Medical Definition

self-care

noun

-ˈke(ə)r 

: care for oneself : self-treatment