personal care

American  

noun

1. assistance in dressing, grooming, etc., provided to elderly, disabled, or other persons who are unable to care for themselves.

2. the act or process of dressing or grooming oneself.

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personal care British  

noun

1. help given to elderly or infirm people with essential everyday activities such as washing, dressing, and meals

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Other Word Forms

• personal-care adjective

Etymology

Origin of personal care

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Recalling his early days in the city, he said his budget for food and personal care items, like shampoo, was $30 a week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

The latest move would allow the company to further sharpen its focus on higher‑growth beauty, personal care, and wellness categories.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Unilever’s food unit has long played second fiddle to personal care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Only 16% said they regularly helped with more hands-on personal care like bathing and dressing, while 15% said they did this occasionally.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

But the schools are handicapped by lack of time for much personal care, by lack of facilities for the best of instruction and by the multiplicity of things that must be done.

From Journeys Through Bookland, Vol. 10 The Guide by Sylvester, Charles Herbert