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

Yet, Bowl residents remain optimistic that, someday, they will be able to buy the park from the owners and finally serve as the caretakers of the eccentric and beloved affordable community.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A Pew Research study from early 2025 found that 57% of U.S. adults think children’s caretakers place far too little focus on teaching boys to talk about their feelings when they’re sad or upset.

Read more on Salon

Another probed whether she abandoned her post when she failed to appoint a caretaker president during an absence for nose surgery.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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