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

His subsequent television credits include the role of custodian and ex-sumo wrestler Yoshi Nakamura in the Disney series Kickin’ It. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025

Jo was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector and loved being an organist, pianist and custodian. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Their responsibility is to satisfy you, not the custodian. —Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025

The custodian is also tasked in the operation and maintenance of all building systems and equipment in accordance with department policies, procedures, and guidelines. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025

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