custodial

adjective

cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-əl 

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

This is another move that might be limited by the custodial agreement. —Bob Carlson, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

These include guaranteeing that Trump would not receive a custodial sentence or delaying sentencing until after Trump leaves office in 2029. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

This increase is attributed to higher custodial and interchange revenues. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024

Jaquez provided every player with black sweatsuits, along with the coaching staff and custodial staff at Camarillo. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

custodial

adjective

cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-əl 

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 

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