caretaker
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person whose job is to look after a large building, like a school or apartment block, and keep it in good condition.
n.a person employed to maintain and look after a building, estate, or facility, often residing on the premises.
Simple“The school caretaker arrived early to unlock the gates and check the heating.”
In context“The apartment complex employs a full-time caretaker to handle minor repairs and oversee the maintenance of the communal gardens.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.used to describe someone who does a job for a short time until a permanent person is chosen.
adj.holding office or performing a role temporarily until a permanent successor is appointed.
Simple“He took over as caretaker manager of the team until the end of the season.”
In context“Following the sudden resignation of the CEO, the board appointed a caretaker director to maintain stability during the search for a permanent replacement.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who looks after a sick, old, or young person.
n.a person who provides physical or emotional care for someone who is unable to look after themselves.
Simple“She has been the primary caretaker for her elderly mother for several years.”
In context“The study examined the stress levels of family caretakers who support relatives with chronic illnesses.”
UsageIn British English, 'carer' is the standard term for this sense.
Synonymscaregivercarer
From care + taker.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.