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

They point to studies suggesting a strong caregiver placebo effect, with the only real change being the owner’s perception of their pet’s condition.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

“James has the flexibility — and became the primary caregiver during the day, and we were not having to pay for consistent childcare all the time,” she said.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

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

From Slate • May 2, 2026

That was the kind of caregiver her mother was: someone who understood what quality care meant because she had spent her life giving it to others.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 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