noun
Uncommon
custodian
kuh-STOH-dee-uhn
Custodian (noun) means a person responsible for looking after or protecting something. Example: “The museum's custodian ensures the artifacts are kept safe.”
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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
school custodian
custodian of records
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Word forms
- Plural
- custodians
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum's _____ ensures the artifacts are kept safe.
Etymology
From Latin custodia, "a keeping, guard," from custos, "a keeper or guard."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for custodian
See all rhymes for custodian →Frequently asked questions
What does “custodian” mean?
The word “custodian” means a person responsible for looking after or protecting something. In plain terms, someone who looks after and protects something — or, in American English, a building cleaner.
How do you pronounce “custodian”?
“Custodian” is pronounced kuh-STOH-dee-uhn (/kəˈstoʊdiən/ in IPA).
How do you use “custodian” in a sentence?
Here is “custodian” used in a sentence: “The museum's custodian ensures the artifacts are kept safe.”
What part of speech is “custodian”?
“Custodian” is a noun.
Where does the word “custodian” come from?
The word “custodian” comes from Latin. From Latin custodia, "a keeping, guard," from custos, "a keeper or guard.".
Is “custodian” a common word?
“Custodian” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “custodian” have?
“Custodian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person responsible for looking after or protecting something.
