noun
custodian
kuh-STOH-dee-uhn
noun
1
A person responsible for looking after or protecting something.
"The museum's custodian ensures the artifacts are kept safe."
2
US: a janitor or cleaner, especially in a school or office building.
"The school custodian mopped the hallway after the game."
How to Use Custodian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who looks after and protects something — or, in American English, a building cleaner.
UK vs US
In the US, "custodian" commonly means janitor; in the UK, "caretaker" is more common for that meaning.
Common pairings
school custodian
custodian of records
Word Forms
custodians plural
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The museum's _____ ensures the artifacts are kept safe.
Etymology
From Latin custodia, "a keeping, guard," from custos, "a keeper or guard."