keeper
7 synonyms for keeper, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone or something worth holding on to.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use keeper
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
zookeeper
gamekeeper
the keeper made a save
that's a keeper
"A keeper" meaning "worth keeping" (of a person, idea, or thing) is a casual, modern usage.
Etymology
Comes from Middle English kepere. On the surface, it can be analysed as keep plus -er.
Full origin of keeper →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.
