cau·tion·ary I. \ˈkȯshəˌnerē, -ri\adjective 1.: of, relating to, or constituting a cautio or a caution 2.archaic: characterized by caution : cautious, wary 3.: having the characteristics of, serving as, or offering a caution : admonitory < a warmly human story rather than the usual mere cautionary tale intended to warn us — J.W.Krutch > II. noun (-es) : security, surety, caution