# keeper

/ˈkipɝ/ (US) · /kˈiːpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keeper
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a guardian or caretaker

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. someone worth keeping

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. mechanical part

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He is kind and funny; he is definitely a keeper.
- After testing several different models, I realized this old camera is a keeper because it takes the best photos.
- While many modern gadgets are designed for quick replacement, this durable leather bag is a keeper that will likely last for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.