custody
Custody (noun) means the legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child. Example: “The parents share custody of their two children.”
How to Use Custody
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLegal responsibility for a child, or being held by the police.
Word Forms
custodies plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The parents share _____ of their two children.
Etymology
From Latin custodia, "a keeping, guard, prison," from custos, "a keeper."
Related Words
Rhymes for custody
See all rhymes for custody →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “custody” mean?
The word “custody” means the legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child. In plain terms, legal responsibility for a child, or being held by the police.
How do you pronounce “custody”?
“Custody” is pronounced KUHS-tuh-dee (/ˈkʌstədiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “custody” in a sentence?
Here is “custody” used in a sentence: “The parents share custody of their two children.”
What part of speech is “custody”?
“Custody” is a noun.
Where does the word “custody” come from?
The word “custody” comes from Latin. From Latin custodia, "a keeping, guard, prison," from custos, "a keeper.".
Is “custody” a common word?
“Custody” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “custody” have?
“Custody” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child.
What is the difference between "custody" and "guardianship"?
"Custody" is the legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child, often decided during divorce or separation. "Guardianship" is a broader legal authority to make decisions for someone who cannot act for themselves, which can cover children or vulnerable adults.
What is the difference between "custody" and "arrest"?
An arrest is the act of detaining someone, while custody is the state of being held afterward, usually by police before a trial. A person is arrested and then taken into custody.
What is the difference between sole custody and joint custody?
Sole custody gives one parent the legal right and responsibility to care for a child, while joint custody shares that right and responsibility between both parents. Both concern who cares for and makes decisions about the child.