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

Several parents from Idlewild Elementary school, one of the buildings left without custodial services since the beginning of the year, pleaded during Thursday’s meeting for the board to adopt the contract. —Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat, 30 Jan. 2026

Kamil’s attorney, John Hanusz, argued in a sentencing memo that his client should face a custodial sentence of 40 months. —Andrea Klick, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026

For children earning money through small gigs like babysitting or part-time jobs, custodial Roth IRAs are a helpful option, offering the same benefits as a regular Roth IRA but geared towards kids under 18. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026

The water system investigation began last fall after a custodial employee who was assigned to the sheriff's administration building was diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 Jan. 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