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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.

I’m just that current custodian looking after them for future generations,’ ” Walker said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

The drummers beat out the traditional rhythm of the Kabawa people as the Sarkin Ruwan, or custodian of the river, performed a ceremony before the competition could begin at this decades-old event.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

But the market is a ruthless custodian of art.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

For Umaru Riskuwa, 59, the custodian of the mosque, Ramadan offers "those who take insurgency as their business" an opportunity to make "people feel peace in their heart".

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Poor Cap spent two hours in there, until a custodian found him and set him free.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman