caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈker-ˌtā-kər How to pronounce caretaker (audio)
Synonyms of caretakernext
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.
The Ward family The hotel room was a suite, with the caretaker in the living room and Ward in the bedroom. Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026 Moore, who completed 26 of 33 passes for 234 yards against Texas Tech, was the caretaker of Oregon’s offense in Thursday’s 23-0 win. Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026 Her death devastated her supporters and caretakers. Colbi Edmonds, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026 At her home day care, Rodriguez employs a group of teachers and caretakers who are, for the most part, either in their twenties and childless or else parents with at least one child enrolled in the day care. Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caretaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caretaker. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

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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