caretaker

Everyday

1. A caretaker is a person whose job is to look after a building, such as a school, keeping it clean, safe and repaired. tree →
2. A caretaker is a person who looks after someone or something for a while. tree →

In the lessons

In school life the caretaker unlocks the doors, fixes things, clears spills and snow, and keeps the school safe; pupils should be polite and thank them. In the USA the school caretaker is usually called a janitor or custodian. Phrases: the school caretaker, caretaker of, a caretaker manager (only for a short time).

Examples

• Our school caretaker fixed the broken window. tree →
• Tell the caretaker if you see a spill. tree →
• The caretaker locks the gates at night. tree →
• Mr Jones the caretaker cleared the snow. tree →
• Grandma was the caretaker of the old church. tree →
• Say thank you to the caretaker. tree →

Note

Countable noun; one word: care + taker. British, Irish and Australian English say «caretaker»; American English mostly «janitor» or «custodian»; in the USA a «caretaker» is often someone who looks after a sick or old person.