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

• 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

If students are expected to produce original thoughts when demonstrating their learning, shouldn't instructors, as custodians of intellectual integrity, be held to a similar standard regarding the materials and feedback used to teach? —Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Crofts was working as a custodian at the city’s development services office when he was arrested Wednesday. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2025

Humphreys says that’s a rethinking of the more traditional approach, when IT departments would act as the custodian for all technology systems that would be deployed. —John Kell, Fortune, 25 June 2025

The controller would appoint a custodian to oversee the digital asset, the bill said, until the rightful owners are able to reclaim it. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for custodian

• cambodian
• collodion
• foucauldian
• 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