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

For the time being, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose Social Democratic party suffered a major blow, will stay on as head of a caretaker government. —Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025

The Eredivisie side are under caretaker management following Brian Priske’s sacking this month but, as The Athletic reported this week, are expected to hire former player Van Persie. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Trial sites that cater to families – and understand women’s roles as the typical family caretaker – have thus seen higher retention than those that don’t. —Eva Epker, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Naomi Watts grapples with grief and becomes a dog caretaker in the first trailer for The Friend. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for caretaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker
• icebreaker

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