Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

custody

/ˈkʌstədiː/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.22 in modern English

Syllables: cus-tody
IPA: /ˈkʌstədiː/

13

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

3

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The legal right to take care of something or somebody, especially children.

Uncountable

noun

Temporary possession or care of somebody else's property.

Uncountable

noun

The state of being imprisoned or detained, usually pending a trial.

Uncountable

noun

An area under the jurisdiction of a custos within the Order of Friars Minor.

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"The court awarded custody to the child's father."
"The mother gained custody of the children."
"I couldn't pay the bill and now my passport is in custody of the hotel management."
"He was mistreated while in police custody."
"Original petition for writ of habeas corpus to obtain release from custody under sentence to five years imprisonment for aiding coprisoners in endeavors to escape from jail."
"The Custody of the Holy Land includes the monasteries of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem."

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin custōdia (“a keeping, watch, guard, prison”), from custōs (“a keeper, watchman, guard”). Doublet of custode.

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

custodies (plural)

Derived Forms

custodee

Phrases

chain of custody data custody joint custody maternal custody paternal custody protective custody sole custody youth custody centre

Frequently Paired Words

custodial custodian

Synonyms

hands detention detainment hold

Homonyms

custardy (in some dialects)

Questions

How do you pronounce custody?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈkʌstədiː/.
What does custody mean?: The legal right to take care of something or somebody, especially children.
Where does custody come from?: Borrowed from Latin custōdia (“a keeping, watch, guard, prison”), from custōs (“a keeper, watchman, guard”). Doublet of custode.

How to pronounce custody

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