keeper

noun

keep·​er ˈkē-pər 

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

Synonyms of keeper

• custodian
• guardian
• guard
• warden

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 on the Web

Buttercup and her pups are being monitored by animal keepers and veterinary staff. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

Ellie Roebuck Hasn’t been capped since 2023 but back in the WSL with Aston Villa and back in Wiegman’s squad as a reliable reserve ‘keeper. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Their diet reflects the opportunistic feeding behavior monitor keepers know well. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026

What to see today In the summer and early fall, visitors can see a variety of exhibits in the Portland Head Light museum, which was built into the former keeper’s house. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing keeper

• park-keeper

Rhymes for keeper

• beeper
• cheaper
• creeper
• deeper
• reaper
• sleeper
• steeper
• sweeper
• beekeeper
• bookkeeper
• doorkeeper
• gamekeeper

Kids Definition

keeper

noun

keep·​er ˈkē-pər 

: one that keeps

they are keepers of their word

especially : a person who watches, guards, or takes care of something or someone

the keeper of a shop

Legal Definition

keeper

noun

keep·​er

: one that takes care of and often is legally responsible for something

a dog's keeper

a keeper of the property