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

Free advice could always be had from tavern keepers, clergymen, neighbors or parents. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who started both of Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies in Australia, and USMNT international Gaga Slonina remain contenders for the third-choice ’keeper role. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Suspecting heat problem, zoo keepers provided ventilation and a water sprinkler to cool her down. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

The four plays for Mahomes with goal-to-go ended in four touchdowns, with Walker hitting a clear lane up the middle, Brashard Smith off the left tackle, another play-action to Gray and a Mahomes keeper on an option. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 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