Caretaker Meaning
/ˈkɛɹˌteɪ.kɚ/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounSomeone who takes care of a place or thing; someone looking after a place, or responsible for keeping it in good repair.
nounSynonym of caregiver (“a person who provides care to another”).
Sentence Examples
The accident was due to the negligence of the caretaker.
I am the caretaker of this child, and they are my care-receiver.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The school hired a new ____ to lock the gates and clean the hallways after hours.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ is responsible for keeping the school building clean today.
Word Origin & History
From care + taker.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"‘Miss Brindle must be very rich to live in such a big house,’ went on Jessamy. ‘Miss Brindle rich?’ said Aunt Maggie. ‘Bless you, she hasn’t tuppence to rub together. She’s only the caretaker.’"
— 1967, Barbara Sleigh, Jessamy, Sevenoaks, Kent: Bloomsbury, published 1993, →ISBN, page 11:
"Sources within Sánchez’s caretaker administration claim the amnesty law is perfectly in keeping with the Socialist-led government’s efforts to calm tensions and find a political solution to the so-called Catalan question."
— 2023 November 15, Sam Jones, “Acting Spanish PM on verge of second term after controversial Catalan amnesty deal”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
"Michael Carrick enjoyed the perfect start to his second spell as Manchester United caretaker boss as second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu inflicted massive damage on Manchester City's Premier League title hopes."
— 2026 January 17, Simon Stone, Shamoon Hafez, “Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City”, in BBC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The school hired a new ____ to lock the gates and clean the hallways after hours.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ is responsible for keeping the school building clean today.