noun
Common
custody
KUHS-tuh-dee
Custody (noun) means the legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child. Example: “The parents share custody of their two children.”
noun
1
The legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child.
"The mother gained custody of the children."
"The parents share custody of their two children."
"After the divorce, the mother was given custody of their young son."
"He went to court to ask for joint custody of his daughter."
"The court awarded custody to the child's father."
2
The state of being held by police, usually before a trial.
"The suspect was taken into custody after the raid."
"He was mistreated while in police custody."
"The man spent the night in police custody before seeing a judge."
"She was released from custody once the officers had finished their questions."
How to use custody
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLegal responsibility for a child, or being held by the police.
Common pairings
child custody
taken into custody
custody battle
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Word forms
- Plural
- custodies
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The parents share _____ of their two children.
Etymology
From Latin custodia, "a keeping, guard, prison," from custos, "a keeper."
Synonyms
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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.
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