custody

noun

cus·​to·​dy ˈkə-stə-dē How to pronounce custody (audio)
plural custodies
: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority
also : safekeeping

Examples of custody in a Sentence

She has sole custody of her daughter. The judge granted custody to the grandparents. The bank provides safe custody for valuables.
Recent Examples on the Web Three children and two adults are dead, and a teenager is in custody, following a domestic violence situation at a home in a quiet Washington state neighborhood, authorities said. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2024 The teen in custody was booked into King County's juvenile detention facility, according to Mellis. CBS News, 22 Oct. 2024 Despite being arrested by police, Rodney didn’t remain in custody for long. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024 In the days following, lawyers in New York City advocating for Neely's family decried the New York Police Department's decision to release Penny after initial questioning and not hold him in custody following Neely's death. Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for custody 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'custody.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English custodie, from Latin custodia guarding, from custod-, custos guardian

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near custody

Cite this Entry

“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custody. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

custody

noun
cus·​to·​dy ˈkəs-təd-ē How to pronounce custody (audio)
1
: direct responsibility for care and control
2
: the state of being arrested or held by the police

Legal Definition

custody

noun
cus·​to·​dy
: care or control exercised by a person or authority over something or someone: as
a
: supervision and control over property that usually includes liability for damage that may occur
b
: care and maintenance of a child that includes the right to direct the child's activities and make decisions regarding the child's upbringing compare visitation
joint custody
: custody of a child shared by divorced or separated parents who alternate physical custody of and share in decisions regarding the child

called also shared custody

physical custody
: custody that includes sharing a residence with a child
shared custody
: joint custody in this entry
sole custody
: custody of a child awarded to only one person and usually to a parent
temporary custody
: custody awarded until a final judgment in a matter (as a divorce) is made
c
: official restraint on freedom (as by arrest or imprisonment or by release on bail, personal recognizance, probation, or parole) compare arrest
constructive custody
: custody of a person (as a parolee) who is not under immediate physical control but whose freedom is controlled or restrained by legal authority
penal custody
: custody of a person (as in a correctional institution) as a form of punishment
physical custody
: custody of a person (as an arrestee) whose freedom is under the actual and immediate control of an official
preventive custody
: custody of a person (as a criminal defendant awaiting trial) for the purpose of preventing further possible dangerous or criminal behavior
protective custody
: physical custody of a person for his or her own safety
Etymology

Latin custodia, from custod-, custos guardian

More from Merriam-Webster on custody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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