noun
Uncommon
caretaker
KEH-uh-tay-kuh
Caretaker (noun) means a person employed to look after a building or property. Example: “The school caretaker unlocked the gym early for the team.”
noun
1
A person employed to look after a building or property.
"The school caretaker unlocked the gym early for the team."
"The old mansion had a live-in caretaker for decades."
adjective
1
Temporarily holding a position or role until a permanent replacement is found.
"He was named caretaker manager until a permanent coach was hired."
"The caretaker government ran the country until elections were held."
How to use caretaker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who looks after a building, or someone temporarily filling a role.
Common mistake
A "caretaker" usually looks after property or a temporary role, while a "caregiver" looks after a person — don't swap them.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
school caretaker
caretaker manager
caretaker government
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Word forms
- Plural
- caretakers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school _____ unlocked the gym early for the team.
Etymology
From care + taker — literally "one who takes care" (of a place).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for caretaker
See all rhymes for caretaker →Frequently asked questions
What does “caretaker” mean?
The word “caretaker” means a person employed to look after a building or property. In plain terms, someone who looks after a building, or someone temporarily filling a role.
How do you pronounce “caretaker”?
“Caretaker” is pronounced KEH-uh-tay-kuh (/ˈkɛɹˌteɪ.kɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “caretaker” in a sentence?
Here is “caretaker” used in a sentence: “The school caretaker unlocked the gym early for the team.”
What part of speech is “caretaker”?
Depending on how it is used, “caretaker” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “caretaker” a common word?
“Caretaker” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “caretaker” have?
“Caretaker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person employed to look after a building or property.
