zoo

noun \ ˈzü \

Definition of zoo

plural zoos

1 :a facility with usually indoor and outdoor settings where living, typically wild animals are kept especially for public exhibition — called also zooological garden, zoological park

2 :a place, situation, or group marked by crowding, confusion, or unrestrained behavior

The convention was a zoo.

See zoo defined for English-language learners

See zoo defined for kids

Examples of zoo in a Sentence

The sixth grade classroom was a zoo after recess.
The supermarket was a real zoo on the night before the storm.

Recent Examples of zoo from the Web

Food shortages and blackouts have become common for Venezuelans, some of whom have resorted to stealing and eating zoo animals to survive.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Administration Imposes New Economic Sanctions on Venezuela," 25 Aug. 2017
Kiddie Pull, petting zoo, food and music by Jack Wagon Band.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Free and fun events this weekend: Aug. 18-20," 16 Aug. 2017
The zoo is at 1301 Summit Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Best fun for kids this weekend: YMCA water days, Florida Supercon," 26 July 2017
Family Fun Land is a section devoted to family-friendly activities, including pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, crafts and entertainment.

— Naperville Sun, "Disney Star Miranda May to do meet-and-greet at Last Fling," 6 July 2017
And since the Kardashians are not ones to party subtly, the birthday bash also included a pig petting zoo, shaved ice, a bounce house and more.

— cara zimmerman, Harper's BAZAAR, "North West and Penelope Disick Have Moana Themed Birthday Bash," 26 June 2017
CONFUSED ZEBRA DRILL TEAM: This will consist of a dozen striped animals with whistles around their necks from various Bay Area zoos, with each zebra designated to represent the referees that officiated the Warriors-Cavaliers series.

— mark purdy, The Mercury News, "Purdy: Exclusive preview of floats we’ll see in Warriors’ victory parade (we can hope)," 15 June 2017
The 52-year-old Australian Zoo owner recently honored her late husband by posting a sweet throwback photo to celebrate what would have been a tremendous milestone in their relationship.

— katina beniaris, Woman's Day, "Steve Irwin's Wife Terri Posted the Sweetest Tribute to Her Late Husband," 7 June 2017
Some zoos are already supporting efforts to save pangolins.

— elly pepper, Scientific American Blog Network, "Zoos Take a Step Backward in Pangolin Conservation," 5 June 2017

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