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

Those still working include custodial staff, law enforcement and fire safety, all unpaid until the shutdown ends. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025

In a custodial interview, Burkley told investigators he's provided home health services to two disabled men for several years. —Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 24 Oct. 2025

Supervisor Betty Duong requested the report of further information about the use of Tasers, including a comparative analysis of other custodial settings similar to Santa Clara County’s that implemented the use of Tasers. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025

During the investigation, Oak Creek police discovered a residence of interest in Watertown based on phone records of Lillian’s non-custodial mother Luisa Asala. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025

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