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.
Since starting her community and platform 'Mother Untitled' in 2017, Neha Ruch has been on a mission to reframe our societal narrative around stay-at-home motherhood, leaning out, and how caretakers can navigate career shifts on their own terms. Sugey Palomares, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025 Amir, who asked to use a pseudonym to protect his family, said caretakers told him the boy was often crying and wetting his pants. Teele Rebane, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025 The monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility after a caretaker failed to secure a door properly, ending up in a wooded region surrounding the facility. Cristian Santana, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2025 In early November, the monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Facility after a caretaker didn’t secure the doors, police said, citing the company’s CEO, Greg Westergaard. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near caretaker

Cite this Entry

“Caretaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caretaker. Accessed 16 Feb. 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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