self-care

noun

ˌself-ˈker How to pronounce self-care (audio)
: care for oneself
stroke victims capable of daily self-care
the necessity of busy working parents to take time for self-care
specifically : health care provided by oneself often without the consultation of a medical professional
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are a common route for self-care, and consumers are eagerly using them … —Alison Stein Wellner
—sometimes used before another noun
At-home screening is one side of the burgeoning self-care movement … —Stephen Rae

Examples of self-care in a Sentence

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.
Cats have self-care down to a science. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 But for many women, the motivation is less about perfection and more about confidence, control, and self-care. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 In the ’80s, inspired by her interest in self-care, the actress launched her own skincare line and published three books on fitness, beauty, and health. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026 The everything shower trend has flooded TikTok, with users turning a basic rinse into a full self-care ritual. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-care

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-care was in 1841

Rhymes for self-care

See All Rhymes for self-care

Browse Nearby Words

self-canceling
self-care
self-caricature
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-care. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

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