caretaker

1 of 2

noun (1)

care·tak·er ˈker-ˌtā-kər

Synonyms of caretaker

: one that gives physical or emotional care and support

served as caretaker to the younger children

: one that takes care of the house or land of an owner who may be absent

: one temporarily fulfilling the function of office

a caretaker government

caretake

ˈker-ˌtāk

verb

caretaking

ˈker-ˌtā-kiŋ

noun

caretaking

2 of 2

noun (2)

care·tak·ing

ˈker-ˌtā-kiŋ

plural -s

: the act or occupation of serving as a caretaker

Examples of caretaker in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.

Noun

The son of a nurse and school caretaker, the values instilled in him by his parents and older brother were crucial to building a strong work ethic. — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Yee decided her favorite nook was the Picture Room, where the museum’s caretakers unveiled Soane’s choicest paintings stowed behind clandestine folding panes. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 The cemetery caretaker in Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake street party during Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026 Slot machines only respond to a computer program and the odds of a win are set by the machine’s caretaker, period. — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caretaker

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

caretaker + -ing

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of caretaker was in 1801

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caret

caretaker

caretaking

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Caretaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caretaker. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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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

caretaker

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of caretaker

Examples of caretaker in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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caretaker

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of caretaker

Examples of caretaker in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for caretaker

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on caretaker

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