guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən How to pronounce guardian (audio)
plural guardians
1
: someone or something that guards : custodian
The historical society serves as the guardian of the town's traditions.
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
guardianship noun
plural guardianships

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
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.
In her big-screen debut opposite Jack Black, Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks, Myers ventures into the Overworld as Natalie, a savvy young adult who has just become the legal guardian of her little brother, Henry (Sebastian Hansen), after their mother’s death. Michaela Zee, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 Users can report offensive content, and for players under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must first enable the feature using Nintendo’s parental controls app. Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 3 Apr. 2025 If there is a violation, the e-vehicles can also be impounded, and if the operator is a minor, the vehicle would be released to the guardian or parent once the impound fee is paid. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025 Sharks play a critical role in the ecosystem as guardians of the seagrass, policing populations of turtles and other animals that would mow down all the seagrass if left unchecked. Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guardian

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of guardian was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guardian. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

guardian

noun
guard·​i·​an
ˈgärd-ē-ən
1
: one that guards : custodian
2
: one who legally has the care of a person or the property of another
guardianship
-ˌship
noun

Legal Definition

guardian

noun
guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən How to pronounce guardian (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on guardian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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