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.
This year, public schools across the state will start the school year without enough bus drivers, paraprofessionals, ESE aides, custodial staff, cafeteria workers, nurses and other essential educators who keep students healthy and safe in school. — Andrew Spar, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 Stadium worker wages Sherman said the team’s commitment also includes providing prevailing wages to the stadium operations workers, including concessions and custodial workers. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Plans range from $3 to $12 per month, with higher tiers unlocking a retirement account with an IRA match up to 3%, custodial accounts for kids and even checking and emergency savings. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 The legal architecture, whether a trust, a foundation, or a simple custodial account, exists to serve that kind of intention, not to replace it. — Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for custodial

See All Rhymes for custodial

Browse Nearby Words

custodia
custodial
custodiam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custodial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custodial. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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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