trustee

[truh-stee]

noun

1. a person, usually one of a body of persons, appointed to administer the affairs of a company, institution, etc.

2. a person who holds the title to property for the benefit of another.

3. (in New England) a garnishee.

4. a trusty.

verb (used with object)

trusteed, trusteeing 

1. to place in the hands of a trustee or trustees.

2. (in New England) to garnish.

trustee

/ trʌˈstiː /

noun

1. a person to whom the legal title to property is entrusted to hold or use for another's benefit

2. a member of a board that manages the affairs and administers the funds of an institution or organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of trustee¹

First recorded in 1640–50; trust + -ee

Example Sentences

Alan Levy, the synagogue's chairman of trustees told ITV News, he heard Al-Shamie shouting "this is what they get for killing our children", before "banging his knife into the glass, trying to get through".

From BBC

Alan Levy, the synagogue's chairman of trustees told ITV News he heard Al-Shamie shouting "this is what they get for killing our children", before "banging his knife into the glass, trying to get through".

From BBC

Board trustee Elizabeth Moon held up her hands and tried to cut off Bourne.

From Los Angeles Times

In July last year, Sir William Blackburne, trustee of the memorial trust, contacted the Department for Communities and Local Government to find out whether the new government was committed to the memorial.

From BBC

A negotiating committee of trustees, from both the employers and the union, is set to decide on how the money will be distributed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agent 
• custodian 
• executor 

When To Use

What does trustee mean?

A trustee is a person who is appointed to administer the affairs of a company or other organization. Often such an organization will have a group, or a board, of trustees.A trustee can also be a person who holds the title to a property for someone else. If you inherit millions of dollars before you reach adulthood, the will might state that an adult manages that money for you until you become an adult. That person would be the trustee of your money.Example: The board of trustees advised us against running this ad during primetime.