caretaker

[ kair-tey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who is in charge of the maintenance of a building, estate, etc.; superintendent.
2. a person or group that temporarily performs the duties of an office.
3. British. a janitor.
4. a person who takes care of another.

adjective

1. involving the temporary performance of the duties of an office:

   a caretaker government.

caretaker

/ ˈkɛəˌteɪkə /

noun

1. a person who is in charge of a place or thing, esp in the owner's absence

   the caretaker of a school

2. modifier holding office temporarily; interim

   a caretaker government

3. social welfare a person who takes care of a vulnerable person, often a close relative See also carer

Derived Forms

• ˈcareˌtaking, noun

Other Words From

• caretaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of caretaker¹

First recorded in 1855–60; care + take ( def ) + -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Amazon has also opted for the theme of kindness, telling the story of a theatre caretaker whose hidden singing talent is discovered by his colleagues.

From BBC

Van Nistelrooy, who joined United as an assistant coach in July on a two-year deal, managed three victories and a draw in his four games during his time as caretaker boss.

From BBC

He first went to Gabo Island two years ago, and dreamed of eventually being its caretaker.

From BBC

Landing the lighthouse keeper and island caretaker job means he is now spending six months of the year there - one month on and one month off - with a colony of penguins for company.

From BBC

He returned to the club as manager in 2019 and took the club to an FA Cup final in his year and a half in charge before a second spell, this time as caretaker boss at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

From BBC

Related Words

• curator
• custodian
• janitor
• keeper
• sitter
• superintendent
• supervisor
• warden