keeper

/ˈkiːpər/

NOUN

1. A person responsible for guarding or caring for something

A person entrusted with the responsibility of protecting, supervising, maintaining, or looking after a person, animal, building, place, or valuable object.

1.1. Guarding and protecting people or property

Refers to someone responsible for providing security, preventing unauthorized access, and protecting people, places, or valuable possessions from harm or theft.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The castle keeper guarded the entrance throughout the night.
  • The museum keeper was responsible for protecting its valuable collections.
  • The lighthouse keeper watched over the coastline and maintained the light.

Related Words

1.2. Caring for and maintaining property or facilities

Refers to someone employed or appointed to look after buildings, grounds, equipment, or other property by maintaining cleanliness, handling repairs, and ensuring proper upkeep.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The school keeper ensured that the classrooms and hallways remained clean.
  • The estate keeper maintained the gardens and supervised property repairs.
  • The museum keeper carefully preserved the historical artifacts.

Related Words

1.3. Caring for and managing animals

Refers to someone responsible for feeding, protecting, monitoring, and maintaining the well-being of animals in a zoo, farm, wildlife reserve, or other managed environment.

Synonyms

  • animal caretaker
  • animal attendant
  • gamekeeper
  • warden
  • guardian
  • custodian
  • steward

Examples

  • The elephant keeper carefully monitored the animal's health and daily diet.
  • The gamekeeper protected the wildlife living on the estate.
  • The zoo keeper ensured that all the animals received proper care.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A player responsible for defending a goal or wicket

A sports player whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by defending a goal or catching balls behind a wicket.

2.1. Goalkeeping in football and other sports

Refers to the player positioned in front of a goal who attempts to stop the opposing team from scoring by blocking or catching incoming shots.

Synonyms

  • goalkeeper
  • goalie
  • goaltender
  • netminder

Examples

  • The keeper made an incredible save during the final minutes of the match.
  • The team's keeper successfully blocked three penalty shots.
  • The goalkeeper was praised for an outstanding performance.

Related Words

2.2. Wicketkeeping in cricket

Refers to the cricket player positioned behind the wicket who catches deliveries missed by the batter and may attempt to dismiss opposing players.

Synonyms

  • wicketkeeper
  • wicket-keeper

Examples

  • The keeper caught the ball cleanly behind the stumps.
  • The cricket keeper successfully dismissed the batter with a quick stumping.
  • The wicketkeeper remained alert throughout the match.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A person or thing worth keeping

Someone with desirable personal qualities or something considered valuable, useful, or worthwhile enough to retain rather than discard or replace.

3.1. A desirable romantic partner or friend

Used informally to describe someone whose personality, behavior, or qualities make them especially valuable as a romantic partner, friend, or companion.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Her kindness and sense of humor make her a real keeper.
  • He knew he had found a keeper when she supported him through difficult times.
  • Everyone agreed that his new girlfriend was a wonderful catch.

Related Words

3.2. A valuable or worthwhile possession

Used informally to describe an object, discovery, or item that is particularly useful, attractive, valuable, or worth preserving.

Synonyms

Examples

  • This antique watch is definitely a keeper.
  • She found a beautiful seashell that would make a perfect keeper for her collection.
  • The old family photograph was a precious keeper.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A mechanism that holds or secures another component

A component of a mechanical device designed to catch, hold, secure, or retain another part in a particular position.

4.1. Fastening and retaining mechanical components

Refers to a small mechanical part that holds another component in place, prevents unwanted movement, or secures a fastening mechanism.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The door keeper holds the locking bolt securely inside the frame.
  • The technician replaced the damaged keeper in the locking mechanism.
  • A metal keeper prevents the component from slipping out of position.

Related Words

NOUN

5. A person responsible for keeping records or information

Someone entrusted with maintaining, organizing, preserving, and managing records, documents, accounts, or important information.

5.1. Maintaining official records and documents

Refers to a person responsible for recording, organizing, updating, and preserving official information, documents, or historical records.

Synonyms

  • archivist
  • custodian
  • recordkeeper
  • registrar
  • steward
  • curator
  • supervisor

Examples

  • The archivist served as the keeper of the organization's historical documents.
  • She was appointed keeper of the official financial records.
  • The museum's record keeper carefully documented every new acquisition.

Related Words

NOUN

6. A quarterback running with the ball

An offensive football play in which the quarterback keeps possession of the ball after the snap and runs toward the opposing team's goal.

6.1. Quarterback running plays

Refers to an offensive play in American football where the quarterback runs with the ball instead of handing it to another player or making a forward pass.

Synonyms

  • quarterback keeper
  • quarterback run
  • QB run
  • quarterback sneak

Examples

  • The quarterback executed a keeper and gained several yards.
  • The coach called a quarterback keeper near the goal line.
  • The defense struggled to stop the quarterback's keeper during the final drive.

Related Words

NOUN

7. A person who remains in a particular position

Someone who stays in or continues occupying a particular place, role, or position rather than leaving or moving elsewhere.

7.1. Remaining in a position or role

Used to describe someone who continues to occupy a position, maintain a role, or remain associated with a particular place or responsibility.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The current keeper of the position has served the institution for many years.
  • He remained the keeper of the family estate after his father's retirement.
  • The long-serving keeper continued to oversee the property.

Related Words

NOUN

8. Fruit or vegetables suitable for long-term storage

A fruit or vegetable that can be stored for an extended period without spoiling or losing its quality.

8.1. Produce with good storage life

Refers to fruits or vegetables that remain edible and maintain their quality for a relatively long time when stored under suitable conditions.

Synonyms

  • storage crop
  • storage variety
  • long-keeping produce

Examples

  • Winter squash is a good keeper when stored in a cool, dry place.
  • The farmer selected apple varieties known to be excellent keepers.
  • These potatoes are reliable keepers throughout the winter.

Related Words

  • preservation
  • storage
  • shelf life
  • root cellar
  • harvest
  • winter produce
  • food storage