zookeeper

noun

zoo·​keep·​er ˈzü-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce zookeeper (audio)
: one who maintains or cares for animals in a zoo

Examples of zookeeper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over the years, several institutions, including this one, have figured out a peculiar but effective solution to that conundrum: A zookeeper does the feeding with a hand puppet that looks like an adult bird. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 May 2025 What to Know About the Tiger King Star's Life in Prison Prior to his relationship with Marquez, the Oklahoma zookeeper, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021, had been married several other times, some legal unions and others unofficially. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Related Articles Irwin continues his dad’s legacy, working as a zookeeper, television presenter and conservationist. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025 With him is an awkward, curly-haired pre-teen with a slight speech impairment, Henry (Sebastian Hansen); his new-to-adulthood guardian/older sister Natalie (Emma Myers); and the fun real estate agent/travelling zookeeper Dawn (Danielle Brooks). Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zookeeper

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zookeeper was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Zookeeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zookeeper. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

zookeeper

noun
zoo·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər How to pronounce zookeeper (audio)
: a person who keeps or cares for animals in a zoo
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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