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
She saw it as a form of self care after having six children.
From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2023
Graziano would encourage his fans to follow his lead and treat themselves to soft pants and self care, which was a popular message during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2022
Mendes said in the post that he has discussed the situation with his team as well as health professionals and he’s decided to prioritize self care.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2022
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.
