custodial

adjective

cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-əl How to pronounce custodial (audio)
1
a
: relating to guardianship
b
: relating to, providing, or being protective care or services for basic needs
nursing and custodial care
2
: having sole or primary custody of a child
the custodial parent

Examples of custodial in a Sentence

Her mother is the custodial parent.
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.
The two cases list women based in Minnesota as custodial parents of the children. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 The 53-year-old custodial worker said her entire family is voting against Trump. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 This is another move that might be limited by the custodial agreement. Bob Carlson, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 These include guaranteeing that Trump would not receive a custodial sentence or delaying sentencing until after Trump leaves office in 2029. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for custodial 

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of custodial was in 1678

Dictionary Entries Near custodial

Cite this Entry

“Custodial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custodial. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

custodial

adjective
cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-əl How to pronounce custodial (audio)
1
: relating to, providing, or being protective care or services for basic needs
nursing and custodial care
2
: having sole or primary custody of a child
the custodial parent

Legal Definition

custodial

adjective
cus·​to·​di·​al kə-ˈstō-dē-əl How to pronounce custodial (audio)
1
: occurring during or in connection with custody
a custodial interrogation
2
: having sole custody or custody a greater portion of the time
a custodial parent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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