caregiver

American  

[kair-giv-er] / ˈkɛərˌgɪv ər /

noun

1. a person who cares for someone who is sick or disabled.

2. an adult who cares for an infant or child.

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caregiver British  

/ ˈkɛəˌɡɪvə /

noun

1. Also called: carer.  a person who has accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbour or relative

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Etymology

Origin of caregiver

First recorded in 1980–85; care + giver ( def. )

Explanation

Someone who takes care of a very young, elderly, or ill person is called a caregiver. If you make sure your ailing friend eats every day and is relatively comfortable, you are her caregiver. Being a caregiver is sometimes a paying job — a home health aid and a nurse in a hospital both work as caregivers. When a family member is ill, you may become a temporary caregiver, bringing hot soup and warm blankets. In Britain, this person is called a carer. Both words come from the Old English carian, "to feel concern" and also "to grieve."

Example Sentences

Elayyne’s health has further deteriorated since Haven’s release rejection, and she critically needs a caregiver.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

“I wrote late at night because when I was working, I was also a primary caregiver for my mother.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

One of the first victims of the conflict was 32-year-old Filipina Mary Ann Veolasquez, who worked as a caregiver in Israel.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

In Missouri, for example, state regulations require that there is one caregiver for every four babies in a child care center.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

We’d found a babysitter, Glorina Casabal, a doting, expert caregiver about ten years older than I was.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• au pair
• caretaker
• custodian
• nanny
• nurse