zoo

¹ American  

[zoo] / zu /

noun

plural

zoos

1. Also called zoological garden.  a parklike area in which live animals are kept in cages or large enclosures for public exhibition.

2. Informal. a place, activity, or group marked by chaos or unrestrained behavior.

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zoo- ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “living being,” “animal,” used in the formation of compound words.

   zoometry; zooplankton.

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zoo- ¹ British  

combining form

1. indicating animals

   zooplankton

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zoo ² British  

/ zuː /

noun

1. Formal term: zoological garden.  a place where live animals are kept, studied, bred, and exhibited to the public

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zoo Idioms  

1. see it's a zoo.

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Usage

What does zoo- mean? The combining form zoo- is used like a prefix meaning “living being” or "animal." It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology. The form zoo- comes from Greek zôion, meaning “animal.”What are variants of zoo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, zoo- becomes zo-, as in zooid. When combined as a suffix, zoo- becomes -zoa or -zoon, as in protozoa or ectozoon. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for zo-, -zoa, and -zoon.

Etymology

Origin of zoo¹

First recorded in 1840–50; first two syllables of zoological garden taken as one syllable

Origin of zoo-²

Combining form representing Greek zôion animal

Explanation

A zoo is a large park where wild animals are on display. If you're interested in lemurs, orangutans, or even boa constrictors, you might want to plan a trip to the zoo. Most modern zoos serve two functions: to exhibit exotic animals for paying visitors and to protect endangered animal species. Responsible zoos fulfill the second goal by breeding animals, educating the public, and reintroducing animals to the wild. Any wild and crowded place can also be called a zoo: "I went to the mall the day before Christmas. It was a total zoo!" The word zoo, from a Greek root that means "animal," was originally shorthand for the Regent's Park Zoological Gardens in London, which opened in 1828.

Example Sentences

Last week, a young wolf burrowed under a fence at his zoo in the South Korean city of Daejeon and escaped - becoming the country's newest, furriest fugitive.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

In 2023, a male zebra became a global sensation after escaping from a zoo in Seoul and was seen roaming through the streets.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

A wolf that escaped from a zoo in South Korea remained at large Thursday, authorities said, prompting a local school to close over safety concerns as the search continued.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Crimson is one of the youngest mountain lion cubs the zoo has ever cared for, and ensuring he reaches adulthood is no easy task.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"Do your homework right away. I'm going to ask Hannah if she'll drive us over to the petting zoo."

From "Pony Problems: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #3" by Carolyn Keene

Related Words

• circus