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

Club chiefs are hoping to have the caretaker appointment in place for when players return to training on Wednesday.

From BBC

Michael Carrick has emerged as favourite to be appointed Manchester United caretaker head coach, according to sources close to the process.

From BBC

No matter who is appointed Manchester United caretaker manager until the end of the season, Darren Fletcher has emerged as one of the big winners from a week of turmoil at Old Trafford.

From BBC

In childhood Agathe was her sister’s caretaker, but at 15 she abruptly left for the United States, a claim for freedom that Agathe also recognizes as an abandonment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Darren Fletcher, United's current Under-18s coach, who has also been spoken to about the job, will continue as interim manager until until a caretaker is appointed.

From BBC

Related Words

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