guardian

noun

guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən How to pronounce guardian (audio)
plural guardians
1
: someone or something that guards : custodian
The historical society serves as the guardian of the town's traditions.
2
: someone who has the care of the person or property of another
often, specifically : a person granted legal custody of a minor who is not the person's own biological child
The school sent a letter home to all parents and guardians.
3
: a superior of a Franciscan monastery
guardianship noun
plural guardianships

Examples of guardian in a Sentence

After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her legal guardian. the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody
Recent Examples on the Web Even though the parks offer numerous resources for parents and guardians of young children, like baby care centers and rider switch services at attractions, there will inevitably be hiccups with young kids. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 According to a survey last summer by KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, 37 states took advantage of the expansion to pay parents and guardians. Ted Alcorn Kaiti Sullivan, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 School officials said the students involved were evaluated by a nurse, with staff then notifying their parents or guardians. Molly Hennessy-Fiske The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2024 The sophomore’s grandmother and guardian, Sue Benedict, has said that Nex was being bullied before the altercation, and has criticized administrators at Owasso High School for not summoning police or an ambulance immediately after. Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 The giveaway is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and to parents and legal guardians over the age of 18. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 They are then seen leaving the school with their guardian. Sara Smart, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 Wendy Williams’ guardian has filed a lawsuit against A&E Networks, potentially seeking to block the premiere of the new Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 Where Is Wendy Williams? executive producer Mark Ford previously confirmed to PEOPLE that the guardian initially signed off on the production of the series (on which Williams is also listed as an executive producer). Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'guardian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of guardian was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near guardian

Cite this Entry

“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guardian. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

guardian

noun
guard·​i·​an
ˈgärd-ē-ən
1
: one that guards : custodian
2
: one who legally has the care of a person or the property of another
guardianship
-ˌship
noun

Legal Definition

guardian

noun
guard·​ian ˈgär-dē-ən How to pronounce guardian (audio)
: one who has or is entitled or legally appointed to the care and management of the person or property of another compare committee, conservator, curator, receiver, tutor
guardian ad litem \ -​ad-​ˈlī-​təm, -​äd-​ˈlē-​tem \
: a guardian appointed by a court to represent in a particular lawsuit the interests of a minor, a person not yet born, or a person judged incompetent
guardian by nature
: natural guardian in this entry
natural guardian
: a guardian by natural relationship having custody of the person but not the property of a minor

Note: Under common law the father is considered the natural guardian of a child until his death or incapacitation, whereupon the mother becomes the natural guardian. Many states have passed statutes giving both parents equal rights as guardians.

statutory guardian
: a guardian appointed by statutory authority
testamentary guardian
: a person named in a will to serve as a guardian
guardianship noun

More from Merriam-Webster on guardian

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