custodial

adjective

cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-əl 

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

The measure won’t apply to people going into bathrooms for custodial services or maintenance, to provide medical assistance or to help law enforcement. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2026

Such a scenario, critics fear, could occur in the event of a bankruptcy or a breakdown in the custodial process. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Lower staffing has prompted worry about parks’ capacity for emergency response, protection of the natural landscape and custodial maintenance. —Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Lewis first declined the detectives’ custodial interview request. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for custodial

• noncustodial

Medical Definition

custodial

adjective

cus·​to·​di·​al ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-əl 

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 

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