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Synonyms

custodian

American  
[kuh-stoh-dee-uhn] / kʌˈstoʊ di ən /

noun

  1. a person who has custody; keeper; guardian.

  2. a person entrusted with guarding or maintaining a property; janitor.


custodian British  
/ kʌsˈtəʊdɪən /

noun

  1. a person who has custody, as of a prisoner, ward, etc

  2. a guardian or keeper, as of an art collection, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • custodianship noun

Etymology

Origin of custodian

1775–85; < Latin custōdi ( a ) watchman ( custody ) + -an

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The company, for example, called the separation of the roles of broker, exchange, and custodian into different firms a “a legacy of a paper-based system” unnecessary in the tokenized universe.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

The Wordsworth Trust has been the custodian of Dove Cottage, the Wordsworths' first Lake District home, since it was founded in 1891.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

But the market is a ruthless custodian of art.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Additional pre-tax contributions of up to $5,000 a year are allowed but not required, and a parent is the custodian of the account until the child turns 18.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Since 1934 its single eagle nest has been under observation by Professor Herbert H. Beck, an ornithologist of Lancaster and custodian of the sanctuary.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson