noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

keeper

KEE-puh

Keeper (noun) means someone or something worth holding on to. Example: “That recipe is a keeper.”

noun

Someone or something worth holding on to.

"That recipe is a keeper."

A person responsible for guarding, maintaining, or looking after something, such as a gamekeeper or zookeeper.

"The keeper fed the lions at dusk."

Short for goalkeeper, the player who defends the goal in football, hockey, and similar sports.

"The keeper made a brilliant diving save."

A fruit or vegetable that stays fresh for a long time without spoiling.

"These apples are good keepers and will last all winter."

How to Use Keeper

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone or something that keeps — a person who looks after something, a goalkeeper, or (informally) anything worth holding on to.

When to use it

"A keeper" meaning "worth keeping" (of a person, idea, or thing) is a casual, modern usage.

Common pairings

zookeeper gamekeeper the keeper made a save that's a keeper

Word Forms

keepers plural, Keepers plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

That recipe is a _____.

Synonyms

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guardian custodian caretaker warden curator goalie

Related Words

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Rhymes for keeper

leper peeper beeper sweeper sleeper creeper steeper beekeeper innkeeper zookeeper goalkeeper shopkeeper

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “keeper” mean?

The word “keeper” means someone or something worth holding on to. In plain terms, someone or something that keeps — a person who looks after something, a goalkeeper, or (informally) anything worth holding on to.

How do you pronounce “keeper”?

“Keeper” is pronounced KEE-puh (/ˈkiːpɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “keeper” in a sentence?

Here is “keeper” used in a sentence: “That recipe is a keeper.”

What part of speech is “keeper”?

“Keeper” is a noun.

Is “keeper” a common word?

“Keeper” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “keeper” have?

“Keeper” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone or something worth holding on to.

Is keeper short for goalkeeper?

Yes. In football, hockey, and similar sports, keeper is a common short form of goalkeeper, the player who defends the goal. Commentators, players, and fans use the two words interchangeably.

What is the difference between a keeper and a caretaker?

A keeper is anyone responsible for guarding, maintaining, or looking after something, as in zookeeper, gamekeeper, or shopkeeper. A caretaker more specifically looks after a building or property, often on behalf of the owner. Keeper is the broader term and appears in many fixed compounds.

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