guardian
noun
guard·ian
ˈgär-dē-ən 
plural guardians
1
2
: someone who has the care of the person or property of another
often, specifically
: a person granted legal custody of a minor who is not the person's own biological child
The school sent a letter home to all parents and guardians.
3
: a superior of a Franciscan monastery
Examples of guardian in a Sentence
After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her legal guardian.
the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody
Recent Examples on the Web
Admission is free, but guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
Launching into her response, Willians soon became indignant, then emotional as her answer veered into a discussion of Morrissey and the judge who deemed a guardian necessary.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Used formally, the title refers to a parent, guardian, or social worker required to be present when police detain or interview anyone under 18 years old.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025
In 1967, the Harmon Foundation gifted hundreds of works from the Harlem Renaissance and beyond, fortifying its role as a guardian of Black creativity.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guardian
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
Launching into her response, Willians soon became indignant, then emotional as her answer veered into a discussion of Morrissey and the judge who deemed a guardian necessary.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Used formally, the title refers to a parent, guardian, or social worker required to be present when police detain or interview anyone under 18 years old.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025
In 1967, the Harmon Foundation gifted hundreds of works from the Harlem Renaissance and beyond, fortifying its role as a guardian of Black creativity.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guardian
Cite this Entry
“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guardian. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
guardian
noun
guard·ian
ˈgär-dē-ən
: one who has or is entitled or legally appointed to the care and management of the person or property of another compare committee, conservator, curator, receiver, tutor
—
guardian ad litem
\
-ad-ˈlī-təm, -äd-ˈlē-tem
\
: a guardian appointed by a court to represent in a particular lawsuit the interests of a minor, a person not yet born, or a person judged incompetent
—
guardian by nature
: natural guardian in this entry
—
natural guardian
: a guardian by natural relationship having custody of the person but not the property of a minor
Note: Under common law the father is considered the natural guardian of a child until his death or incapacitation, whereupon the mother becomes the natural guardian. Many states have passed statutes giving both parents equal rights as guardians.
—
statutory guardian
: a guardian appointed by statutory authority
—
testamentary guardian
: a person named in a will to serve as a guardian
guardianship
noun
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