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

There is no minimum age for a child, as long as there is a custodial parent or guardian on the account. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Public school custodial and nutrition staff will get bonuses of $1,750. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026

Police said Chiturumani, the girl’s non-custodial father, allegedly stabbed the child’s mother and threatened to kill the child. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

The pair will continue to raise Shea as their own and will remain her custodial parents, according to the custody agreement filed on June 12, the outlet reported. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for custodial

• noncustodial

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