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

Until then, Williams’ relatives said, cops had been reluctant to do much to help because the parents had joint custody, and a child off with his custodial father wasn’t considered missing. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025

Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree kidnapping and custodial interference. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 12 June 2025

The video struck a chord with viewers, particularly those in educational or custodial roles. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

Before the discovery of the girls' bodies, officials said arrest warrants were granted for Decker on three counts of custodial interference. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 5 June 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