Keeper: meaning, definitions and examples

🔐

Add to dictionary

keeper

[ˈkiːpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job title

A person who manages or looks after something or someone, especially a collection or a team.

Synonyms

caretaker, curator, custodian, guardian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
keeper	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.
guardian	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.
custodian	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.
caretaker	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.
curator	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.

Examples of usage

She is the keeper of the family traditions.
He is the keeper of the museum's artifacts.
The goalkeeper is the last line of defense in soccer.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A player responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring in games such as soccer or hockey.

Synonyms

goalkeeper, netminder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
keeper	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.
goalkeeper	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.
netminder	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.

Word

Description / Examples

keeper

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.

goalkeeper

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.

netminder

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.

Examples of usage

The goalie made a great save.
The keeper blocked the shot with skill.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'ceapere,' meaning 'one who buys or takes care of', reflecting its protective nature.
In the Middle Ages, 'keeper' referred to someone who held a position of authority over a hunting area, highlighting a connection to guardianship.
Over time, the term evolved to encompass anyone responsible for managing people, animals, or objects.

Cultural References

In literature, keepers are often portrayed as wise, guiding figures, such as the 'Keeper of the Keys' in the Harry Potter series.
The title 'Keeper' is often used in fantasy settings to denote characters with special responsibilities over magical or precious items.
How keepers are depicted in various cultures often emphasizes their role in protecting community traditions and knowledge.

Occupational Roles

Zoo keepers care for animals, ensuring their habitats are healthy and they receive adequate food and medical attention.
A lighthouse keeper is responsible for maintaining the light and signaling system that aids ships in navigation, especially in dangerous areas.
In some contexts, a 'data keeper' manages and protects important information, especially in the digital realm.

Psychology

The concept of a keeper can relate to attachment theory, where the keeper acts as a secure base for individuals, fostering safety and trust.
Some studies explore how keepers, such as caretakers, impact the emotional well-being of those they support by providing comfort and stability.
Additionally, the role of a keeper can reflect the human need for belonging and protection, resonating with social identity theory.

Games and Sports

In sports, a 'goalkeeper' is crucial in soccer, defending the goal against opposing players—much like a keeper protects important things.
In the world of board games, some games have a 'keeper' role where a player manages game resources or rules, emphasizing responsibility.
The term 'keeper' in gaming can also refer to somebody who collects certain items, keeping them safe from others.

Translations

Translations of the word "keeper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guardião

🇮🇳 रक्षक

🇩🇪 Wächter

🇮🇩 penjaga

🇺🇦 охоронець

🇵🇱 strażnik

🇯🇵 管理人 (かんりにん)

🇫🇷 gardien

🇪🇸 guardián

🇹🇷 bekçi

🇰🇷 보관자

🇸🇦 حارس

🇨🇿 strážce

🇸🇰 strážca

🇨🇳 守护者 (shǒuhùzhě)

🇸🇮 varuh

🇮🇸 verndari

🇰🇿 қорғаушы

🇬🇪 მცველი

🇦🇿 qoruyucu

🇲🇽 guardián

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,570 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
7567 evenly
7568 tastes
7569 visions
7570 keeper
7571 judgement
7572 honestly
7573 fringe
...