caretaker

American  

[kair-tey-ker] / ˈkɛərˌteɪ kər /

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.

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adjective

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

   a caretaker government.

caretaker British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• caretaking noun

Etymology

Origin of caretaker

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

Example Sentences

I’ll answer your boundary question first, then address your boomer comment and, even though you may not consider it yet, move onto your looming caretaker issue.

From MarketWatch

He became the sole caretaker of his infant and 4-year-old son after his wife was deported, and can’t afford child care.

From Los Angeles Times

But as the civilian government battled rebellions and internal divisions, it handed power to the military in 1958 for a two-year caretaker spell.

From Barron's

Gerry Murphy:, external Irishman was caretaker manager of Huddersfield Town on three occasions and had a variety of roles at the club including academy manager.

From BBC

Celtic had been searching for a new manager since 27 October when Brendan Rodgers resigned and legendary former manager O'Neill stepped in as caretaker.

From BBC

Related Words

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