keeper

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

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

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

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

“The keeper's rapid reflexes were the only thing preventing a total rout during the final quarter of the championship match.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

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

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

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

“After testing several prototypes, the engineering team decided the third design was a keeper due to its superior durability and low cost.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical

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

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

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

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