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.
And the right doors seem to be opening already — shortly after her paper was published, Martin received an email from a zookeeper who offered to collaborate. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025 Within a week, the zookeeper, Lynne Hafner, had gone from nest to nest to select the fittest ones. Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 Bonus: It's voiced by beloved Australian conservationist and zookeeper Bindi Irwin. Cai Cramer, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024 Brecht’s graduate student, Lena Kaufmann, noticed Mary’s hose use while studying other types of behavior in the zoo’s elephants; the zookeepers told her Mary did this frequently. Bysara Reardon, science.org, 8 Nov. 2024 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 2 Apr. 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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