adj Uncommon

custodial

kuhs-TOH-dee-uhl

Custodial (adj) means relating to the legal care and guardianship of someone, especially a child. Example: “The court granted her custodial rights over the children.”

adj

Relating to the legal care and guardianship of someone, especially a child.

"The court granted her custodial rights over the children."

Relating to cleaning or maintenance work.

"The building's custodial staff work overnight."

Relating to being held in custody or detention.

"He was given a custodial sentence rather than a fine."

How to Use Custodial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with guardianship, cleaning staff, or imprisonment, depending on context.

Common pairings

custodial parent custodial staff custodial sentence

Word Forms

more custodial comparative, most custodial superlative

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The court granted her _____ rights over the children.

Etymology

From custody + the adjective-forming suffix -al.

Rhymes for custodial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial menial

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “custodial” mean?

The word “custodial” means relating to the legal care and guardianship of someone, especially a child. In plain terms, to do with guardianship, cleaning staff, or imprisonment, depending on context.

How do you pronounce “custodial”?

“Custodial” is pronounced kuhs-TOH-dee-uhl (/kʌsˈtoʊ.di.əl/ in IPA).

How do you use “custodial” in a sentence?

Here is “custodial” used in a sentence: “The court granted her custodial rights over the children.”

What part of speech is “custodial”?

“Custodial” is an adjective.

Is “custodial” a common word?

“Custodial” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “custodial” have?

“Custodial” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the legal care and guardianship of someone, especially a child.