custodian

noun

cus·​to·​di·​an ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən 

: one that guards and protects or maintains

especially : one entrusted with guarding and keeping property or records or with custody or guardianship of prisoners or inmates

custodianship

ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of custodian

• keeper
• janitor
• warden
• caretaker
• guardian

Examples of custodian in a Sentence

the custodian made his usual rounds of the building to make sure that everything was OK

served as custodian of the prisoner until he could be turned over to federal authorities

Recent Examples on the Web

In Colorado, custodians have to transfer assets within 60 days of receiving an affidavit from the charity claiming the funds. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

Long is on Zoom, from her home in Los Angeles and seated at her kitchen counter with the sliding doors behind her, where a custodian is cleaning the deck that coyotes keep fouling. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

The solution for most Americans retiring in Europe is to work with a cross-border financial advisor who has established relationships with custodians that support overseas Americans. — Shane Clark, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

The dirty conditions come as the school board voted last month to cut costs and part ways with about 30 union custodians. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for custodian

• cambodian
• collodion
• nickelodeon

Kids Definition

custodian

noun

cus·​to·​di·​an ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-ən 

1

: someone who guards and protects or takes care of something for another person

2

: someone who cleans and takes care of a building : janitor sense 2

Legal Definition

custodian

noun

cus·​to·​di·​an

: an individual entrusted with guarding and keeping property or having custody of a person: as

a

: the warden of a prison

b

: a person given custody of a child by court order

c

: a person named to manage a child's property under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act

d

: a person or entity appointed by a bankruptcy court to take charge of the debtor's property for purposes of administration

custodianship noun