care for
phrasal verb
cared for; caring for; cares for
1
: to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : look after (someone or something)
She cares for elderly patients.
Who is caring for your son while you are at work?
2
: to feel affection for (someone)
I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3
somewhat formal
: to like or enjoy (something)
—often used in negative statements
I don't care for jelly beans.
I don't care for your tone of voice.
4
somewhat formal
: to want (something)
Would you care for some pie?
Examples of care for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Women are more likely than men to care for relatives or friends, research has found, often putting their own health and finances in peril.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Dozens of doctors, medical students, nurses and other hospital staffers cared for Stevens.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
From peaches to blueberries, our expert growers offer delicious fruits that are easy to care for and thrive in pots and containers.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
The shooting took place at an apartment where Tovmash was caring for her younger siblings, family members wrote on social media.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for care for
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Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Dozens of doctors, medical students, nurses and other hospital staffers cared for Stevens.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
From peaches to blueberries, our expert growers offer delicious fruits that are easy to care for and thrive in pots and containers.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
The shooting took place at an apartment where Tovmash was caring for her younger siblings, family members wrote on social media.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for care for
Cite this Entry
“Care for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20for. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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