custodian

noun

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

Synonyms of custodian

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Examples of custodian in a Sentence

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.
Some of the firm’s most successful investments included decentralized exchange Uniswap and crypto custodian Anchorage Digital. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 She’s worked as an evidence custodian, and then as a deputy, and has served in a variety of roles, like as a detective, crime scene evidence technician and field training officer. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 About 100,000 workers across several state agencies are part of the union, including cooks, custodians, nurses and office staff. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Many of these are custodians, laundry workers and food services workers. — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custodian

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of custodian was in 1602

Rhymes for custodian

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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 27 Oct. 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
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