C1nounformal10K+

Trustee

UK /["/trʌˈstiː/"]/US /["/trʌˈstiː/"]/

Definition

a person or an organization that has control of money or property that has been put into a trust for somebody

In simple words: A person who has control of someone else's money or property.

Examples

  • The bank will act as trustees for the estate until the child is 18.
  • They act as joint trustees of the fund.
  • They hold the land as trustees for the infant.
  • executor and trustee to the estate of his sister
  • the board of trustees
  • a trustee of the hospice
  • the trustees of the National Gallery
  • a trustee of the museum

Usage notes

Used in legal and financial contexts. Not appropriate in everyday conversation unless discussing legal matters. More common in formal writing or discussions.

Grammar pattern

trustee + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'trust-ee' as the person you trust to manage your assets.

Collocations

  • joint
  • sole
  • independent
  • act as
  • be
  • become
  • trustee for
  • trustee of
  • trustee to
  • a board of trustees
  • joint
  • sole
  • independent
  • act as
  • be
  • become
  • trustee for
  • trustee of
  • trustee to
  • a board of trustees

Synonyms

  • administrator
  • agent
  • fiduciary
  • custodian

Antonyms

  • beneficiary
  • ward

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'trustor', which is the person who creates the trust.
  • Incorrectly assuming all trustees have the same responsibilities.
  • Using 'trustee' in informal contexts.