guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən 

plural guardians

1

: someone or something that guards : custodian

The historical society serves as the guardian of the town's traditions.

2

: someone who is legally responsible for the care and management of property belonging to someone else, or of a person who is unable to manage their own affairs

often, specifically : a person granted legal custody of a minor who is not the person's own biological child

The school sent a letter home to all parents and guardians.

… went to court to secure a nonrelative as the girls' legal guardian …

—Janet Maslin

3

: a superior of a Franciscan monastery

guardianship

ˈgär-dē-ən-ˌship 

noun

plural guardianships

Synonyms of guardian

• custodian
• guard
• keeper
• warden
• sentinel

Examples of guardian in a Sentence

After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her legal guardian.

the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody

Recent Examples on the Web

But after a deadly shooting last year at Florida State University, lawmakers expanded the school guardian program to include colleges and universities. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

Martinez and Jesse became her legal guardians, and Martinez communicated every day with Rachelle’s mother, Maddison, who is still in prison. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

In California, a parent or legal guardian can surrender a baby within 72 hours of birth — no questions asked — to ensure the child’s well-being, the department said. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

In a dystopian Madrid where children become the legal guardians of their parents, María confronts the system when her mother is admitted to La edad menor, an irreversible process of infantilization. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing guardian

• guardian angel

Rhymes for guardian

• ricardian

Kids Definition

guardian

noun

guard·​i·​an

ˈgärd-ē-ən

1

: one that guards : custodian

2

: one who legally has the care of a person or the property of another

guardianship

-ˌship

noun

Legal Definition

guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən 

: one who has or is entitled or legally appointed to the care and management of the person or property of another compare committee, conservator, curator, receiver, tutor

— guardian ad litem \ -​ad-​ˈlī-​təm, -​äd-​ˈlē-​tem \

: a guardian appointed by a court to represent in a particular lawsuit the interests of a minor, a person not yet born, or a person judged incompetent

— guardian by nature

: natural guardian in this entry

— natural guardian

: a guardian by natural relationship having custody of the person but not the property of a minor

Note: Under common law the father is considered the natural guardian of a child until his death or incapacitation, whereupon the mother becomes the natural guardian. Many states have passed statutes giving both parents equal rights as guardians.

— statutory guardian

: a guardian appointed by statutory authority

— testamentary guardian

: a person named in a will to serve as a guardian

guardianship noun