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—
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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 WebTish Weinstock, Vogue, 2 July 2024
Exercising caution with all forms of fire outside is especially important now as extreme heat across the state dries out grass and trees, Robinson added.
—Lizzy Alspach, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2024
Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2024
Though he was told the Bruins were interested in February, the edge rusher from Loyola High was also cautioned that the staff needed to meet before officially extending a scholarship offer.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for caution 
Noun
That said, dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong suggests that oily skin types should be approached with caution.
—Tish Weinstock, Vogue, 2 July 2024
Exercising caution with all forms of fire outside is especially important now as extreme heat across the state dries out grass and trees, Robinson added.
—Lizzy Alspach, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2024
Verb
Drivers cautioned as heavy rain triggers traffic concerns on northbound US-69 in Overland Park
A traffic advisory has been issued for hazardous driving conditions attributed to heavy rain on US-69 from College Boulevard to I-35.
—Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2024
Though he was told the Bruins were interested in February, the edge rusher from Loyola High was also cautioned that the staff needed to meet before officially extending a scholarship offer.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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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