caretaker

[kair-tey-ker]

noun

1. a person who is in charge of the maintenance of a building, estate, etc.; superintendent.

2. a person or group that temporarily performs the duties of an office.

3. British.,  a janitor.

4. a person who takes care of another.

adjective

1. involving the temporary performance of the duties of an office.

   a caretaker government.

caretaker

/ ˈkɛəˌteɪkə /

noun

1. a person who is in charge of a place or thing, esp in the owner's absence

   the caretaker of a school

2. (modifier) holding office temporarily; interim

   a caretaker government

3. social welfare a person who takes care of a vulnerable person, often a close relative See also carer

Other Word Forms

• caretaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of caretaker¹

First recorded in 1855–60; care + take ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Linda not only has to mother her child but also serve as caretaker while her absent husband gets to play the role of fun parent via phone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Similarly, the work requirements would apply to residents ages 18 to 61 who are not disabled, pregnant, primary caretakers of young children, college students or in other exempted categories.

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“It’s his voice — his lifeline,” his aunt and primary caretaker Cassandra Gonzalez says of the app.

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“When you leave a family member in someone else’s care, you are relying on that caretaker to provide the highest standard of safety, comfort, and care.”

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The farm caretaker, who has also been arrested, was found with three live rounds.

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Related Words

• curator 
• custodian 
• janitor 
• keeper 
• sitter 
• superintendent 
• supervisor 
• warden