keeper
KEE-puh
Keeper (noun) means someone or something worth holding on to. Example: “Don't let that hardworking assistant go; she is a real keeper.”
noun
1
Someone or something worth holding on to.
"Don't let that hardworking assistant go; she is a real keeper."
"After three dates, she decided he was a keeper."
"That recipe is a keeper."
2
A person responsible for guarding, maintaining, or looking after something, such as a gamekeeper or zookeeper.
"The lighthouse keeper climbed the stairs each evening to light the lamp."
"A museum keeper looks after the old maps and makes sure they stay safe."
"The keeper fed the lions at dusk."
3
Short for goalkeeper, the player who defends the goal in football, hockey, and similar sports.
"Our keeper stayed calm and stopped the penalty with his left hand."
"The keeper shouted at the defenders to move up the pitch."
"The keeper made a brilliant diving save."
4
A fruit or vegetable that stays fresh for a long time without spoiling.
"Potatoes and onions are good keepers if you store them somewhere cool and dark."
"Soft berries are poor keepers, so eat them within a day or two."
"These apples are good keepers and will last all winter."
How to use keeper
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- keepers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't let that hardworking assistant go; she is a real _____.
Etymology
Comes from Middle English kepere. On the surface, it can be analysed as keep plus -er.
Related words
Rhymes for keeper
leper
peeper
beeper
sweeper
sleeper
creeper
steeper
beekeeper
innkeeper
zookeeper
goalkeeper
shopkeeper
See all rhymes for 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.
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