keeper
/ˈkiːpə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkiːpər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkē-pər/ (ame, mw)
keeper — noun
- keepersingular
- keepersplural
1. someone employed or responsible for guarding and maintaining a building, its ani
someone employed or responsible for guarding and maintaining a building, its animal residents, or valuable objects such as those in a museum
Apinya works as a zoo keeper and feeds the lions every morning.
Samir is the keeper of the museum's ancient coin collection.
collocation: keeper of [collection/objects]
The building keeper locked all the doors before the storm came.
Shirin's grandfather was a gamekeeper who protected the forest animals.
The museum keeper carefully cleaned the old paintings with a soft brush.
文法句型
[noun] + keeper
keeper + of + [something]
用法筆記
Frequently combined with a preceding noun (zoo keeper, gamekeeper, museum keeper) to specify what is being cared for. The pattern 'keeper of [something]' is more formal.
常見錯誤
2. someone with the personal qualities that make them a good choice for a long roma
someone with the personal qualities that make them a good choice for a long romantic relationship
After their first date, Zola told her sister, "He is a real keeper!"
informal predicative: [someone] is a keeper
Adina knew her boyfriend was a keeper when he cooked her soup during her illness.
"A person who always listens carefully is a keeper," Vinícius said to his brother.
Élise smiled and thought, "Anyone who loves dogs that much is definitely a keeper."
- good catch
informal, same meaning, also used for romantic partners
- perfect match
emphasizes compatibility rather than general worth
文法句型
[someone] is a keeper
用法筆記
Always used predicatively — the phrase is 'someone is a keeper,' not 'a keeper person.' This sense is strongly informal and most common in conversational American English. It is typically used about potential romantic partners, but occasionally extends to friends or employees.
常見錯誤
3. something with enduring quality or usefulness that makes sense to keep rather th
something with enduring quality or usefulness that makes sense to keep rather than throw away or replace
Feng's old leather jacket is a keeper — it looks better every year.
Jenna tried a new pasta recipe and called it a keeper for family meals.
predicative: [thing] is a keeper
The novel was so well written that Ada called it a keeper for her bookshelf.
Christopher found an old wooden chair at the market and said, "This is a keeper!"
文法句型
[something] is a keeper
call [something] a keeper
用法筆記
Used predicatively (like sense 2), but about things rather than people. Common contexts include recipes, clothes, books, furniture, and other items that prove themselves worth keeping over time.
常見錯誤
4. in soccer, hockey, and similar goal-based sports, the team member positioned at
in soccer, hockey, and similar goal-based sports, the team member positioned at the goal who stops the ball or puck from entering it, preventing points for the opposing side
Andrés has been the keeper for the school soccer team for two seasons.
The keeper made an amazing save with one hand during the final minute.
collocation: make a save
Our team's keeper trains for two hours every day to improve her reflexes.
The crowd cheered loudly when the keeper caught the ball and held it tight.
- goalkeeper
the full, more formal term
- goalie
informal abbreviation, especially in North American English
- netminder
used mainly in hockey; less common
用法筆記
A shortened form of 'goalkeeper,' used especially in informal sports commentary and conversation. In formal writing about soccer, hockey, handball, or lacrosse, the full term 'goalkeeper' is preferred. In British English, 'goalkeeper' is commonly shortened to 'keeper'; the abbreviation 'goalie' is also used informally.
常見錯誤
5. the fielder on a cricket team who stands immediately behind the stumps — three u
the fielder on a cricket team who stands immediately behind the stumps — three upright sticks targeted by the bowler — and whose role is to catch any ball the striker misses
The team's wicketkeeper stood behind the stumps, ready for the next ball.
Pakistan's wicketkeeper jumped high and caught the ball before it hit the ground.
The young wicketkeeper practices in the nets every afternoon with her coach.
A good wicketkeeper must have fast hands and quick feet to react in time.
- wicketkeeper
the full, formal term
- gloveman
colloquial, used mainly in British and Australian cricket commentary
- stumper
informal Australian term
用法筆記
Often shortened to 'keeper' in cricket commentary and informal discussion. The full term 'wicketkeeper' is used in scorecards, formal writing, and match introductions. The wicketkeeper is the only fielder allowed to wear gloves and leg pads.