noun
tender
Someone providing care or service.
The machine tender checks the equipment throughout each shift.
Etymology
Tender adds -er to tend in its care-giving sense. It names the person providing attention, service, or support.
More examples
- A tender carries passengers from the ship to the dock.
- The locomotive pulls a tender loaded with coal and water.
- The furnace tenders keep the fires burning through the night.
Forms
tender · tenders
tend verb — To look after or take care of.
Similar words
- attendant
- Usually a person who helps customers or oversees a place.
- caretaker
- Emphasizes ongoing responsibility for a person, property, or animals.