1
law
: the legal right to take care of a child (such as a child whose parents are divorced)
She has sole custody of her daughter.
The judge granted/awarded custody to the grandparents.
The parents have joint custody. [=both parents have custody]
a bitter custody battle [=a legal fight between divorced parents about who will take care of a child]
2
: the state of being kept in a prison or jail
—used after in or into
Several suspects in the killing are in custody.
He was taken into (police) custody last night and will be charged with murder today.
The witness is in protective custody. [=is being kept in a safe place by the police]
3
formal
: the act of protecting or taking care of something
The bank provides safe custody for valuables.
—often + ofThe artist's paintings are in the custody of the museum.
Cite this Entry
“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/custody. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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