zookeeper

[zoo-kee-per]

noun

1. a person who feeds and tends animals in a zoo.

Other Word Forms

• zookeeping noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of zookeeper¹

First recorded in 1920–25; zoo + keeper

Example Sentences

“Remember, there’d be profit in it for you as well. I’d hire you to manage the wee beasties, as you seem to have a knack for training them. If you say no, I’ll just find someone else. Somewhere there’s a former circus employee or zookeeper who’d be grateful for the job.”

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The zookeeper and the actor set off sparks, winning the relay against Earle and Season 33 champ Joey Graziadei of “The Bachelor” fame.

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A zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo shoved an elephant, trying to move the animal inside.

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Everything begins to change for Camille when a new zookeeper, Sailor, arrives on the island.

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“She’s become a bit of a national treasure,” one zookeeper said.

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