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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Earlier this year, Fernando Fernandez, Unilever’s CEO and former president of the company’s beauty and well-being business, said the group was shifting its portfolio into more beauty, well-being and personal care.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Prices in categories like household furnishings, personal care products and electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smart home assistants all rose sharply in January.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

But it was selfishness on my part—arrant selfishness, Frank’s children should have been my personal care.

From The Corner House Girls Snowbound by Hill, Grace Brooks