Word
caretaker
Phoneticscare·tak·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɛɹˌteɪkɝ/
UK/kˈeəteɪkɐ/
Definitions
01building manager
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
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.
“The school caretaker arrived early to unlock the gates and check the heating.”
“The apartment complex employs a full-time caretaker to handle minor repairs and oversee the maintenance of the communal gardens.”
Synonyms
02temporary or interim
C1 · Advanced British English · Formal
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.
“He took over as caretaker manager of the team until the end of the season.”
“Following the sudden resignation of the CEO, the board appointed a caretaker director to maintain stability during the search for a permanent replacement.”
Antonyms
03person giving care
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English
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.
“She has been the primary caretaker for her elderly mother for several years.”
“The study examined the stress levels of family caretakers who support relatives with chronic illnesses.”
Usage
In British English, 'carer' is the standard term for this sense.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“It comes a day after thousands of police visited schools across Poland, following two stabbing attacks earlier in the week, one of which led to the killing of a female caretaker.” “But this is the kind of army we are fighting against."
The building was set ablaze and a caretaker was injured, but much of the collection had already been removed.” Etymology
From care + taker.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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