custodian

noun

cus·​to·​di·​an ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən 

: 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 

noun

Synonyms

• caretaker
• guardian
• janitor
• keeper
• warden
• watchman

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

Each chapter is devoted to a different custodian whom the author visits personally, incorporating his own experiences in a clear and evocative style that puts us right in the story with him. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024

This included butch lesbians, who were often drawn to blue-collar jobs for which key rings were essential, such as being a custodian, a postal worker, or a mechanic, according to Slate. —James Factora, Them, 5 Dec. 2024

Third-party custodians are a growing business in Bitcoin, and these third parties manage your keys for you. —Korok Ray, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Ultimately, a federal system that endows states with substantial authority can act as a powerful custodian of democracy, one that goes well beyond the mere involvement of state officials in the electoral system. —Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

custodian

noun

cus·​to·​di·​an ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-ən 

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