1
: warning, admonishment
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
2
: precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
Use caution when operating a chain saw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
some shoes you see … these days are a caution—
Esquire
EsquireExamples of caution in a Sentence
Noun
You should use caution when operating the electric saw.
He injected a note of caution in his talk.
Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.
The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.
She was given a caution by the magistrate.
Verb
Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.
“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.
He was cautioned for speeding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Diane Brady, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
While individual well-being adds up to represent the happiness of a nation, Heshmati cautions against applying the study’s conclusions to your own health and risk of death from chronic disease.
—Lindsey Leake, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
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Noun
But again, check with the authorities first, and proceed with caution.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Chair Jerome Powell cautioned investors, however, to not count on another rate cut in December, which tipped markets lower.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
While individual well-being adds up to represent the happiness of a nation, Heshmati cautions against applying the study’s conclusions to your own health and risk of death from chronic disease.
—Lindsey Leake, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caution
1 of 2 noun
cau·tion
ˈkȯ-shən 
1
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention
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