# caretaker

/ˈkɛɹˌteɪkɝ/ (US) · /kˈeəteɪkɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/caretaker
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. building manager

noun · CEFR B2

a person whose job is to look after a large building, like a school or apartment block, and keep it in good condition.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. temporary or interim

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

used to describe someone who does a job for a short time until a permanent person is chosen.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. person giving care

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a person who looks after a sick, old, or young person.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The caretaker locks the school gates every evening.
- The building caretaker checks the heating system twice a day during winter.
- As the estate's sole caretaker, he spent his days repairing fences and ensuring the historic gardens remained pristine for visitors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.