caretaker

From care +‎ taker.

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkɛɹˌteɪ.kɚ/
• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɛəˌteɪ.kə/

• Audio (Southern England)

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caretaker (plural caretakers)

1. Someone who takes care of a place or thing; someone looking after a place, or responsible for keeping it in good repair.

   Synonyms: (British) concierge, janitor

   • 1967, Barbara Sleigh, Jessamy, Sevenoaks, Kent: Bloomsbury, published 1993, →ISBN, page 11:

     ‘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.’

2. Someone who takes care of a person; a parent, carer or other guardian.

caretaker (not comparable)

1. (chiefly UK) Temporary, on a short term basis.

   Synonym: interim

   Johnson had to be drafted in as the caretaker manager after Hewlett resigned without warning the day before the final.

   • 2023 November 15, Sam Jones, “Acting Spanish PM on verge of second term after controversial Catalan amnesty deal”, in The Guardian‎, →ISSN:

     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.