self-care

noun

ˌself-ˈker 

: care for oneself

stroke victims capable of daily self-care

the necessity of busy working parents to take time for self-care

specifically : health care provided by oneself often without the consultation of a medical professional

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are a common route for self-care, and consumers are eagerly using them …

—Alison Stein Wellner

—sometimes used before another noun

At-home screening is one side of the burgeoning self-care movement …

—Stephen Rae

Examples of self-care in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eating sardines straight out of the tin while wearing the patches in the comfort of my own home is my kind of self-care. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Treatment is aimed at reducing hallucinations and delusions, as well as improving self-care abilities. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2026

Implementing these mini moments throughout the day is the ultimate act of modern self-care. — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2026

At what age does wanting to look good stop being self-care and become a crime against feminism? — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-care

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Medical Definition

self-care

noun

-ˈke(ə)r 

: care for oneself : self-treatment