the chief official in charge of a prison
"The warden announced that all visits to the maximum-security unit would be suspended indefinitely due to safety concerns."
A guard or watchman.
"The warden paced the perimeter of the construction site, keeping a close eye on anyone trying to sneak past the gates after dark."
To carry out the duties of a warden.
"After months away, he returned to the prison to resume his duties as warden."
An occupational surname, from occupations for a warden.
"The local history book noted that several families in the village adopted Warden as their last name after generations of serving as jail keepers."