keeper

noun keep·er \ ˈkē-pər \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: keeper in a Sentence

Definition of keeper

1 : one that keeps: such as

a : protector

b : gamekeeper

c : warden

d : custodian

e chiefly British : curator

2 : any of various devices for keeping something in position

3 a : one suitable for or worth keeping: such as

(1) : a fruit or vegetable that keeps well

(2) : a fish large enough to be legally caught and kept

(3) : one having genuine or lasting merit

their new album is a keeper

b : a domestic animal considered with respect to how easy it is to care for

an easy keeper

4 : goalkeeper

5 : an offensive football play in which the quarterback runs with the ball

See keeper defined for English-language learners

See keeper defined for kids

Examples of keeper in a Sentence

Hold on to that boyfriend of yours—he's a keeper!
how should I know where she is? I'm not her keeper

Recent Examples of keeper from the Web

Gruezo made it 3-0 in the 66th minute, nodding in a deflection off the right hand of Galaxy keeper David Bingham for his first goal in his 69th MLS game.

— kevin baxter, latimes.com, "Galaxy's loss to FC Dallas is proving they are worse than last season," 31 May 2018
Liverpool are emerging as the favourites to sign Milan's hot prospect Gianluigi Donnarumma, as the Italian keeper's other options look soon to disappear.

— SI.com, "Super Agent Mino Raiola to Approach Liverpool Over Potential World-Record Deal for Goalkeeper," 23 May 2018
Zoo staff, however, have not been quite so lucky — one of the macaque keepers has lost a few pens out of pockets to the swift little hands.

— sarah bowman, Indianapolis Star, "New Macaque monkeys at Indianapolis Zoo known for swimming, diving and photo-bombing," 22 May 2018
Lots of shakers and plenty of keepers are showing up in the catch.

— sacbee, "Fishing line: Striper action takes off near Colusa and on Feather River | The Sacramento Bee," 23 Apr. 2018
The hat trick arrived only three minutes after halftime, a chip of Vancouver keeper Stefan Marinovic.

— sam mcdowell, kansascity, "Johnny Russell puts on a show in Sporting KC’s 6-0 win against Vancouver | The Kansas City Star," 20 Apr. 2018
The basement of the lighthouse keeper’s house and the walk through the trees are enough to give anyone the willies.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Chill out or be chilled in St. Augustine after dark," 1 Apr. 2018
Cincinnati conceded a penalty in the 86th minute and Alan Winn beat Richey to the keeper's right side in the 87th minute.

— charlie hatch, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati draws Nashville SC 2-2 at Gettler Stadium," 3 Mar. 2018
Parker continued to help create opportunities and put the Falcons in the lead in the 64th minute with a shot off the keeper's hands and in.

— jack marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Seven Lakes, Cinco Ranch defend I-10 home turf," 14 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'keeper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of keeper

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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keeper Synonyms

Synonyms

custodian, guard, guardian, lookout, minder, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman;

bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard;

gatekeeper;

KEEPER Defined for English Language Learners

keeper

noun

Definition of keeper for English Language Learners

: a person whose job is to guard or take care of something or someone
: something or someone that is worth keeping : something or someone that is good, valuable, etc.
American football : a play in which the quarterback runs with the ball