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

He is the principal investigator on the Johns Hopkins YayaGuide AI for Caregiver Training project and co-principal investigator on the University of Pennsylvania’s Counterforce Health project.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

Caregiver Magali Galvez, who has worked at Villa Gardens for around 20 years, fielded questions from “Familiar Touch” actor Carolyn Michelle, who plays the woman who assists Ruth.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

Family Caregiver Alliance, a California nonprofit group, provides a guide.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2023

The Caregiver Action Network offers free advice by phone, email or chat at caregiveraction.org.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 29, 2023

There are places, AARP, Family Caregiver Alliance, Caring Across Generations, trying to shine a light on caregiving.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2023

Related Words

• au pair
• caretaker
• custodian
• nanny
• nurse