guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən How to pronounce guardian (audio)
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 noun
plural guardianships

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the suspects, a 16-year-old from Bridgeport, turned himself in on Tuesday night along with a parent or guardian, Josef said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Nov. 2024 In 2016, the Mans petitioned to become Natalia’s legal guardians; however, a hearing was required to determine whether Natalia was a minor or a legal adult. Christine Pelisek, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024 Corinna has remained a guardian of Schumacher's privacy, offering only limited updates on his progress. Alex Harrington, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 Police say the remaining six juveniles were treated by medical personnel and released to a parent or guardian, pending juvenile referrals. Alexa Dikos, Baltimore Sun, 17 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for guardian 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of guardian was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near guardian

Cite this Entry

“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guardian. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce guardian (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on guardian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!