custodian

1 of 2

noun (1)

cus·​to·​di·​an ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən How to pronounce custodian (audio)
Synonyms of custodian
: one that guards and protects or maintains
especially : one entrusted with guarding and keeping property or records or with custody or guardianship of prisoners or inmates
custodianship
ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən-ˌship How to pronounce custodian (audio)
noun

custodianship

2 of 2

noun (2)

cus·​to·​di·​an·​ship ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən-ˌship How to pronounce custodianship (audio)
kə-
: the office or duty of a custodian
the sense of custodianship of a faith received—R. M. French

Synonyms of custodian

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Noun (1)

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Examples of custodian in a Sentence

Noun (1) the custodian made his usual rounds of the building to make sure that everything was OK served as custodian of the prisoner until he could be turned over to federal authorities
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Every year Jim Evans faces the challenge of keeping health care costs reasonable for the more than 400 teachers, custodians and bus drivers at Concord Community Schools. — Alex Olgin, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 Three men with very different vested interests across their roles as player, broadcaster and custodian. — Ben Jones aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 After working as a tennis instructor and a custodian, someone at his church suggested teaching. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Aug. 2026 Typically, a parent or grandparent establishes an account, for a child, names a custodian of the account and makes a gift to the account. — Christine Fletcher, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custodian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of custodian was in 1602

Rhymes for custodian

See All Rhymes for custodian

Browse Nearby Words

custodiam
custodian
custodianship
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custodian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custodian. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

custodian

noun
cus·​to·​di·​an ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-ən How to pronounce custodian (audio)
1
: someone who guards and protects or takes care of something for another person
2
: someone who cleans and takes care of a building : janitor sense 2

Legal Definition

custodian

noun
cus·​to·​di·​an
: an individual entrusted with guarding and keeping property or having custody of a person: as
a
: the warden of a prison
b
: a person given custody of a child by court order
c
: a person named to manage a child's property under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
d
: a person or entity appointed by a bankruptcy court to take charge of the debtor's property for purposes of administration
custodianship noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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