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

Noriega, whom The Washington Post could not reach for comment, was charged with custodial interference, a felony in Arizona. —Sydney Page The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026

Noriega faces one count each of custodial interference, a class three felony, and second-degree burglary, a class three felony. —Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Oakland County has invested more than $640,000 in Legionella remediation and preventive measures after a custodial employee tested positive for the disease last fall. —CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

The sheriff's administration building has had filters since December after officials learned that a custodial employee assigned to the building was hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in November. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 5 Mar. 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