custodial

adjective

cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-əl How to pronounce custodial (audio)
1
a
: relating to guardianship
b
: relating to, providing, or being protective care or services for basic needs
nursing and custodial care
2
: having sole or primary custody of a child
the custodial parent

Examples of custodial in a Sentence

Her mother is the custodial parent.
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.
Both Parks and Prudhomme, both county custodial workers, admitted to stealing the artwork, according to deputies. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025 Institutional-Grade Digital Assets Infrastructure: Abu Dhabi is meticulously constructing an institutional-grade ecosystem for digital assets, focusing on regulatory clarity, secure custodial solutions, and direct integration with traditional finance. Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 The absence of Lauren James’ custodial creativity and defensive pressure off the ball was glaring in Chelsea’s away leg. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Although the district has regularly cut teaching and custodial positions based on enrollment declines, the number of security positions has grown dramatically as a result of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for custodial

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of custodial was in 1678

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custodial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custodial. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

custodial

adjective
cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-əl How to pronounce custodial (audio)
1
: relating to, providing, or being protective care or services for basic needs
nursing and custodial care
2
: having sole or primary custody of a child
the custodial parent

Legal Definition

custodial

adjective
cus·​to·​di·​al kə-ˈstō-dē-əl How to pronounce custodial (audio)
1
: occurring during or in connection with custody
a custodial interrogation
2
: having sole custody or custody a greater portion of the time
a custodial parent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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