ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keeper

n.
US //ˈkipɝ// UK //kˈiːpɐ// keep·er
  1. 1 a guardian or caretaker (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person whose job is to look after a place, animals, or objects.

    a person charged with the guarding, maintenance, or care of a specific entity, such as a zoo, museum, or park.

    Example

    The zoo keeper arrived early to feed the lions before the visitors arrived.

    Example

    As the head keeper of the estate, he was responsible for both the preservation of the historical archives and the maintenance of the grounds.
  2. 2 sports goalkeeper (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    the player who stays near the goal to stop the other team from scoring.

    the player designated to guard the goal or wicket in sports such as football, hockey, or cricket.

    Example

    The keeper made a great save in the last minute of the game.

    Example

    The keeper's rapid reflexes were the only thing preventing a total rout during the final quarter of the championship match.
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  1. 3 someone worth keeping (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a person who is so good, kind, or talented that you should stay friends or partners with them.

    a person or thing regarded as having enough value or desirable qualities to be worth retaining permanently.

    Example

    He remembered your birthday and brought your favourite cake; he's a keeper.

    Example

    After testing several prototypes, the engineering team decided the third design was a keeper due to its superior durability and low cost.
  2. 4 mechanical part (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    a small part of a lock or machine that holds another piece in place.

    a component of a mechanism designed to catch, retain, or receive another part, such as the strike plate of a door lock.

    Example

    The bolt slides into the keeper on the door frame to lock the door.

    Example

    The locksmith noted that the keeper was slightly misaligned, preventing the deadbolt from engaging securely with the frame.
Origin

From Middle English kepere. By surface analysis, keep + -er.

Word family

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