keeper

noun

keep·​er ˈkē-pər How to pronounce keeper (audio)
Synonyms of keepernext
1
: one that keeps: such as
a
c
: warden
d
e
chiefly British : curator
2
: any of various devices for keeping something in position
3
a
: one suitable for or worth keeping: such as
(1)
: a fruit or vegetable that keeps well
(2)
: a fish large enough to be legally caught and kept
(3)
: one having genuine or lasting merit
their new album is a keeper
b
: a domestic animal considered with respect to how easy it is to care for
an easy keeper
4
5
: an offensive football play in which the quarterback runs with the ball

Examples of keeper in a Sentence

Hold on to that boyfriend of yours—he's a keeper! how should I know where she is? I'm not her keeper
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The depiction of female shopkeepers and mothers, punctuated by women like me standing by concrete building blocks, underscores our importance as memory keepers within a society that has often needed rebuilding. Lara N. Dotson-Renta, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 As for reproduction, the keepers don’t need to tell the roaches twice. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 Charles can be Andrew’s keeper — the controller of all his actions. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Now, a constellation of nonprofits, private companies, and politicians are confident that this third plan is a keeper. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keeper

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of keeper was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keeper. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

keeper

noun
keep·​er ˈkē-pər How to pronounce keeper (audio)
: one that keeps
they are keepers of their word
especially : a person who watches, guards, or takes care of something or someone
the keeper of a shop

Legal Definition

keeper

noun
keep·​er
: one that takes care of and often is legally responsible for something
a dog's keeper
a keeper of the property

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