care for
phrasal verb
cared for; caring for; cares for
1
: to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : look after (someone or something)
She cares for elderly patients.
Who is caring for your son while you are at work?
2
: to feel affection for (someone)
I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3
somewhat formal
: to like or enjoy (something)
—often used in negative statements
I don't care for jelly beans.
I don't care for your tone of voice.
4
somewhat formal
: to want (something)
Would you care for some pie?
Examples of care for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Hartford press conference focused on how looming federal cuts to Medicaid would impact care for children around the state.
—
Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
This apparently refers to hospitals and health systems that provide care for gender-incongruent minors.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Among those swept up was a Texas family seeking medical care for a daughter recovering from brain surgery.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Sloth mothers will care for their young for about the first year of their lives.
—Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for care for
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
This apparently refers to hospitals and health systems that provide care for gender-incongruent minors.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Among those swept up was a Texas family seeking medical care for a daughter recovering from brain surgery.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Sloth mothers will care for their young for about the first year of their lives.
—Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for care for
Cite this Entry
“Care for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20for. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share