# custodial

/kəˈstoʊdiəɫ/ (US) · /kʌstˈəʊdɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/custodial
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

relating to the care or protection of someone or something. It often describes a parent's right to live with their child or a job that involves cleaning and looking after a building.

For teachers: relating to guardianship or the legal right to care for a person or property. Often describes parental rights in family law or duties involving the maintenance and security of a facility.

## Examples

- The court granted her full custodial rights.
- After the divorce, the parents agreed on a joint custodial arrangement to ensure the children spent equal time in both homes.
- The university's custodial staff is responsible not only for the daily sanitation of the laboratories but also for the secure handling of sensitive waste materials.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in legal contexts regarding child custody or in professional contexts regarding building maintenance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.