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.
The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of famed zookeeper and television personality Steve Irwin further elaborated just why Russell's constructive criticism means so much. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025 Meet Filly the jaguar, who moved to the Milwaukee County Zoo in January of this year and has settled in well, zookeepers say. Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 28 Oct. 2025 Calling them by their names, the lions rushed to her, the zookeeper told Hardwick. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025 The Australian zookeeper and wildlife photographer shared photos in the lead-up to the Dancing with the Stars season 34 premiere of his mom, Terri Irwin, sister Bindi, brother-in-law Chandler and 4-year-old niece Grace Warrior getting ready for the live show. Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 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 4 Nov. 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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