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

Anthony Thomas was incarcerated at Lee in 2018 and worked as a custodian in the Special Housing Unit. —Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

Supervisory Boards need lead reinvention As the custodians of the future, Supervisory Boards have a special role to play. —Andrew Binns, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

As the custodian of the capitol complex, Giannoulias said the Secretary of State is responsible for security. —Greg Bishop | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024

Rounding it all out, a roughly $2,715 monthly HOA fee allows residents access to a roof deck and a dedicated custodian. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 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