Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun One that is employed to look after or take charge of goods, property, or a person; a custodian.
  • noun One that temporarily performs the duties of an office.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun One who takes care of something.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Someone who takes care of a place or thing; someone looking after somewhere, or with responsibility for keeping a place in good repair.
  • noun Someone who takes care of a person; a parent, carer or other guardian.
  • adjective Temporary, on a short term basis.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a custodian who is hired to take care of something (property or a person)
  • noun an official who performs the duties of an office temporarily

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From care + taker.

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Examples

  • The use of the word "caretaker" suggests Mr. Ahmadinejad's task as head of the oil ministry might be only temporary.

    Ahmadinejad Steps In as Oil Ministry Chief Benoit Faucon 2011

  • And the fact that he ` s in Kentucky with his family means he ` s willing to build what I call a caretaker support network, where there are people to back her up and make her feel like she has family around.

    CNN Transcript May 2, 2007 2007

  • 'Women can be more prone, simply because they are biologically programmed to be nurturers and to have what we call a caretaker personality.

    Home | Mail Online 2010

  • The boys 'sole caretaker is Elaine, who also acts as their surrogate mother.

    REVIEW: Gunpowder by Joe Hill 2009

  • Her imitation of a human caretaker is providing scientists with new insight into social learning and the evolution of speech.

    Boing Boing 2009

  • This caretaker is sacrificing her life to do this.

    Advice on working with your siblings when caregiving 2007

  • The primary caretaker is considered to hold a very special place in the child's affections, distinct from his attachments to others (Bowlby, J 1969).

    Sound Politics: Darcy Burnocchio 2006

  • It may be that a caretaker is deeply concerned for a depressed friend, but struggles to imagine their experience.

    Commander in Grief 2005

  • It may be that a caretaker is deeply concerned for a depressed friend, but struggles to imagine their experience.

    Commander in Grief 2005

  • It may be that a caretaker is deeply concerned for a depressed friend, but struggles to imagine their experience.

    Commander in Grief 2005

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