noun
caretaker
KEH-uh-tay-kuh
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
Word Forms
caretakers plural
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The school _____ unlocked the gym early for the team.
Etymology
From care + taker — literally "one who takes care" (of a place).