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
All 17 plaintiffs are former foster youth or parents or guardians of former foster youth, and are listed in court documents as John Doe or Jane Doe plaintiffs.
—
Theresa Clift
july 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025
The deaths of at least 27 children and staff at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas have some parents and guardians questioning the safety of summer camps, especially as global warming increases risks of extreme weather.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 18 July 2025
Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep, where a book a day keeps the bombs away.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 17 July 2025
The only possible penalty is fining the parents or guardians of repeat violators up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $7,500 for a second offense, according to city attorney Brandon Beeler.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for guardian
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Theresa Clift
july 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025
The deaths of at least 27 children and staff at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas have some parents and guardians questioning the safety of summer camps, especially as global warming increases risks of extreme weather.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 18 July 2025
Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep, where a book a day keeps the bombs away.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 17 July 2025
The only possible penalty is fining the parents or guardians of repeat violators up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $7,500 for a second offense, according to city attorney Brandon Beeler.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 17 July 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 24 Jul. 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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