take care
idiomatic phrase
1
: to be careful or watchful : to exercise caution or prudence
Because fish is more delicate than beef, take care when pounding it thin.—
Sam Gugino
Sam GuginoPatients also should take care in storing their drugs because heat exposure could affect their efficacy, [Aaron] Bernstein says.—Marlene Cimons
—often used informally to express good wishes when parting, at the end of a message, etc.Marlene CimonsI'll see you next week. Take care!
2
: to give particular attention to doing or not doing something
When he had finished writing, Cluny pushed the parchment under his pillow, taking care to leave just a small corner of it jutting out.—Brian Jacques
Brian JacquesIn this land of ritual, Westerners should take care to inform themselves of protocol.—Jeff Morgan
Jeff MorganOpen oysters carefully just before they are required, taking care not to spill the liquor in their deep shells.—Elizabeth Craig
see also take care of
Elizabeth CraigExamples of take care in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The editor of the local newspaper, the reporter people are familiar with, the family physician who has taken care of you and your siblings—these figures have credibility in a way that large national institutions do not.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Khelfa credits the late designer, who was also an avid collector of vintage fashion, with teaching her how to take care of clothes.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Researchers believe this has to change so that people who are pregnant can take care of themselves while also taking care of their fetuses.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Unlike the Stranahan House, there’s no museum staff taking care of the Bryan House.
—Amanda Rosa
october 23, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take care
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David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Khelfa credits the late designer, who was also an avid collector of vintage fashion, with teaching her how to take care of clothes.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Researchers believe this has to change so that people who are pregnant can take care of themselves while also taking care of their fetuses.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Unlike the Stranahan House, there’s no museum staff taking care of the Bryan House.
—Amanda Rosa
october 23, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take care
Cite this Entry
“Take care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20care. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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