caretaker

noun

care·​tak·​er ˈker-ˌtā-kər How to pronounce caretaker (audio)
Synonyms of caretaker
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 How to pronounce caretaker (audio)
verb
caretaking
ˈker-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce caretaker (audio)
noun

Synonyms of caretaker

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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 grounds include a separate caretaker’s house, an orangery, and a substantial pool house. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026 The sharpest criticism of the deal came from Venezuelan opposition figures, who argue that a caretaker administration installed after a foreign military operation has no standing to sign away a century of oil rights. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 One caretaker must remain within 20 minutes of Baton Rouge at all times. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Harry’s next major public engagement will take place in London at the annual WellChild Awards, honoring the bravery and resilience of seriously ill children and their caretakers. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for caretaker

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Browse Nearby Words

caret
caretaker
caretaking
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Cite this Entry

“Caretaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caretaker. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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
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