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.
At the time of the incident, six other gorillas were in the exhibit, and zookeepers used a hose to keep them at bay. Mark Gray, People.com, 27 June 2025 Irwin, the 21-year-old son of late zookeeper and conservationist Steve Irwin, is the first celebrity contestant to be announced. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 Her zookeeper in Thailand recognized her potential before her birth and hatched a plan for Moo Deng to be an internet sensation and help save the struggling zoo as well. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 In an interview with PEOPLE in 2019, Terri recalled first being introduced to the charismatic zookeeper who would capture her heart. Erin Clack, People.com, 4 June 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 11 Jul. 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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