Definition

Noun: A person who temporarily lives in and takes care of a house while the owner or usual resident is away, typically as a favor or without a formal payment.

Usage

The term "house sitter" refers specifically to the person performing the task. It describes a role of responsibility and trust. * We need to find a house sitter to water the plants and collect the mail while we're on vacation. * The house sitter called to report that everything was fine at the property.

Advanced Usage

• The role implies a temporary, residential form of caretaking, focusing on security, maintenance, and basic upkeep in the owner's absence.
• While the reference context mentions "usually without an exchange of money," house sitting can also be a formal arrangement involving payment or an exchange of services (e.g., free accommodation in return for caretaking).

Variants and Related Words

• House-sit (verb): The action of performing the duties of a house sitter.
  • My cousin agreed to house-sit for us next month.
• House sitting (noun/gerund): The activity or practice of being a house sitter.
  • She has a lot of experience in house sitting.

Synonyms

• Caretaker (in this specific, residential context)
• Home watcher

Related Phrases

• To sit a house: A less common phrasal verb form meaning to house-sit.
  • He's sitting the house for his neighbors.

Noun

1. a custodian who lives in and cares for a house while the regular occupant is away (usually without an exchange of money)