guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən 

plural guardians

1

: someone or something that guards : custodian

The historical society serves as the guardian of the town's traditions.

2

: someone who has the care of the person or property of another

often, specifically : a person granted legal custody of a minor who is not the person's own biological child

The school sent a letter home to all parents and guardians.

3

: a superior of a Franciscan monastery

guardianship

ˈgär-dē-ən-ˌship 

noun

plural guardianships

Synonyms

• custodian
• guard
• keeper
• lookout
• minder
• picket
• sentinel
• sentry
• warden
• warder
• watch
• watcher
• watchman

Examples of guardian in a Sentence

After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her legal guardian.

the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody

Recent Examples on the Web

Drinking water at 1 in 4 California child-care centers tests dangerously high for lead May 18, 2023 If lead levels are exceeded, the bill requires schools or educational agencies to notify parents and guardians, shut down the outlet, and find an alternative source of lead-free drinking water. —Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2023

The left sees it as one of the last democratic pillars, a guardian of minority rights. —Shira Rubin, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023

Ultimately, the grand jury, which Lopatin described as acting as the eyes and ears of the public, recommended that the county assume, by way of new state legislation, oversight of the activities of the special district or decisions by the port’s board, sharing the duty as guardian of San Diego Bay. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2023

The new rules, which started Aug. 2, do not allow minors to be in the street or any public space without a guardian between midnight and 6 a.m. —Liyan Qi, WSJ, 29 Aug. 2023

Wade is also father to daughter Zaya, 16, and sons Zaire, 21, and Xavier, 9, as well as the legal guardian of nephew Dahveon Morris, 21. —Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 30 Aug. 2023

The list can help parents, guardians and community members contribute to an effort. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 22 Aug. 2023

Both parents or guardians must be present with the infant, so keep this in mind when choosing a time. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2023

Fishman said the guardian issue was waived because Oher was 18 and his mother consented. —Adrian Sainz, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing guardian

• guardian angel

• guardian angel

Kids Definition

guardian

noun

guard·​i·​an

ˈgärd-ē-ən

1

: one that guards : custodian

2

: one who legally has the care of a person or the property of another

guardianship

-ˌship

noun

Legal Definition

guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən 

: one who has or is entitled or legally appointed to the care and management of the person or property of another compare committee, conservator, curator, receiver, tutor

— guardian ad litem \ -​ad-​ˈlī-​təm, -​äd-​ˈlē-​tem \

: a guardian appointed by a court to represent in a particular lawsuit the interests of a minor, a person not yet born, or a person judged incompetent

— guardian by nature

: natural guardian in this entry

— natural guardian

: a guardian by natural relationship having custody of the person but not the property of a minor

Note: Under common law the father is considered the natural guardian of a child until his death or incapacitation, whereupon the mother becomes the natural guardian. Many states have passed statutes giving both parents equal rights as guardians.

— statutory guardian

: a guardian appointed by statutory authority

— testamentary guardian

: a person named in a will to serve as a guardian

guardianship noun