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

In the original tale from legendary director and co-screenwriter Takuma Takasaki, Yakusho portrays Hirayama, a seemingly nondescript custodial worker in the Japanese capital who enjoys taking photos of trees in the park and listening to his extensive audiocassette collection. —Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023

California is looking for workers to fill multiple positions across a variety of agencies stationed in Sacramento County — from custodial to office technician roles. —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024

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