caution

1 of 2

noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce caution (audio)
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 cautionEsquire
cautionary adjective

caution

2 of 2

verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce caution (audio)

transitive verb

: to advise caution to : warn
She cautioned him not to act rashly.

Examples 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
Noun
Last month, Murphy compiled a tracker using data from many selective schools – a tool that has many disclaimers and notes of caution to users. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024 Very often, a gunner isn't sure about exactly which ammunition will be needed on a particular mission, so erring on the side of caution means loading up with more than one kind in the feed belt, just in case an armor-piercing round is needed instead of shrapnel. David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024
Verb
Hickey cautioned that the market might experience a slight pullback after November’s U.S. presidential election. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 While turnout numbers look strong for Republicans, political experts have cautioned against trying to extrapolate election results from a single voting method. Audrey Fahlberg, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caution 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

First Known Use

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caution was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near caution

Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

caution

1 of 2 noun
cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce caution (audio)
1
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention

caution

2 of 2 verb
cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce caution (audio)
: to advise caution to : warn

More from Merriam-Webster on caution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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