self-care
Americannoun
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the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation (often used attributively).
It’s been a rough week, so this weekend is all about self-care through exercise.
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the products or practices used to comfort or soothe oneself (often used attributively): Taking a bath is a great self-care activity when you’re feeling stressed.
Seeing friends is my self-care.
Taking a bath is a great self-care activity when you’re feeling stressed.
Etymology
Origin of self-care
First recorded in 1860–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sales rose 1.5% in Kenvue’s self care business, which includes products such as Tylenol and Benadryl.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026
“This year is about self care and self love. No makeup. No filter,” she went on.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 15, 2026
The website also became a jumping-off point to start a self-care club at my school, Careessentials, which works to spread the message that self care is not selfish.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 5, 2023
If I’m going to stay in, I’d probably order in but from one of those places that feels indulgent and like self care.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2023
She saw it as a form of self care after having six children.
From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
