Keeper: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to refer to someone in charge of maintaining or looking after something valuable or important. This can include a zoo keeper looking after animals or a keeper of the keys for a secure location.

• The keeper feeds the animals every morning.
• She is the keeper of the family's traditions.

Used to describe someone legally responsible for another person, often a child or a minor. The term can also refer to someone who protects or defends something.

• She became the legal guardian of her niece.
• He sees himself as the guardian of the community's safety.

Can refer to a person who looks after a building or assets, often with a focus on security and maintenance. It can also mean someone responsible for taking care of another person's property or assets.

• The custodian locked up the building after everyone left.
• He acts as the custodian of his brother's finances.

Used when referring to someone responsible for maintaining a building or property, or caring for another person, especially one who is elderly or disabled.

• The school caretaker ensures the building is clean and safe.
• He was appointed as the caretaker for his elderly mother.

Used specifically in the context of museums, art galleries, or collections. A curator is responsible for managing and overseeing a collection of artifacts or artworks.

• The museum curator organized the new exhibit.
• As a curator, she is responsible for acquiring new pieces for the gallery.

Use 'keeper' in general contexts to refer to someone who takes care of or watches over something or someone. It can also be used colloquially to refer to someone who is deemed worth keeping in your life, like a good friend or partner.

• The zookeeper is the keeper of the animals.
• She's definitely a keeper; she's so supportive and kind.

Use 'goalkeeper' in the context of sports, specifically soccer (football) or hockey, to refer to the player whose role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by protecting the goal.

• The goalkeeper made an amazing save during the final minutes of the match.
• Being a goalkeeper requires quick reflexes and good judgment.

Use 'netminder' as a synonym for 'goalkeeper' but mainly in ice hockey to refer to the player who guards the net. This term is more specific to hockey and less commonly used in soccer (football).

• The netminder blocked several difficult shots in the last period.
• He's been the team's best netminder for years.