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

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
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Noun
Despite a record number of candidates, the race had been expected to be decided in a runoff between incumbent Yotova, backed by Radev’s party, and former caretaker Prime Minister Gyurov, who is backed by pro-Western opposition parties. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 After their Season 1 introduction, Stallone’s daughter returns in Season 4 as a former barista turned horse caretaker and stablehand at Fennario Ranch (hired by Manfredi). — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026 There’s also a 5,000-square-foot guesthouse, a caretaker’s residence, and a separate two-bedroom guardhouse. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 After being Claudia’s full-time caretaker for years until her death in 2024 at age 96, Young relocated back to Santa Barbara and cultivated his social media audience by sharing insights into the music business. — Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 21 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caretaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caretaker. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

caretaker

noun
: one that takes care of buildings or land often for an absent owner
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