Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who is responsible for guarding, maintaining, or taking care of something or someone: This is the core meaning, referring to someone in charge of the care, custody, or management of a place, object, animal, or person.
   • A person who owns or manages a business, especially a pub: Used informally, particularly in British English.
   • A part of a mechanism that prevents another part from moving: A technical meaning, such as a catch or a fastener.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Caretaker):
  • The zookeeper feeds the lions every morning.
  • He works as a lighthouse keeper on a remote island.
• Noun (Manager/Owner):
  • Ask the keeper for another pint of beer.
• Noun (Mechanical part):
  • The latch has a small keeper to hold it in place.

Advanced Usage

• "Am I my brother's keeper?": A proverbial phrase from the Bible (Genesis 4:9), used rhetorically to question the extent of one's responsibility for another person.
  • When his neighbor asked for constant help, he wondered, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
• "A real keeper": An informal idiom describing something (or, less commonly, someone) of excellent quality that is worth keeping.
  • This vintage car is a real keeper; it runs perfectly.
  • She's a real keeper; you should treat her well. (Note: While used, this application to people can be considered objectifying.)

Variants and Related Words

• Keep (verb): To have or retain possession of; to continue in a specified condition.
  • Please keep this secret.
• Keeping (noun): The action of owning, maintaining, or protecting something.
  • The keeping of historical records is important.
• Gamekeeper (noun): A person employed to breed and protect game, typically on an estate.
  • The gamekeeper patrols the woods to prevent poaching.
• Goalkeeper (noun): A player in soccer or hockey who defends the goal.
  • The goalkeeper made a fantastic save.
• Housekeeper (noun): A person employed to manage a household.
  • The housekeeper ensures the home is clean and orderly.

Synonyms

• Caretaker: A person employed to look after a building or a person.
• Guardian: A defender, protector, or keeper.
• Custodian: A person who has responsibility for or looks after something.
• Warden: A person responsible for the supervision of a particular place or thing.

Related Phrases

• To be a keeper: To be worth keeping or retaining. Often used for objects or ideas.
  • That joke is a keeper; I'm going to remember it.
• Keeper of the peace: An official responsible for maintaining public order (e.g., a judge or historical officer).

Related Idioms

• Finders keepers (losers weepers): A children's saying claiming that whoever finds something is entitled to keep it.
  • He picked up the coin and shouted, "Finders keepers!"

Noun

1. one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals
2. someone in charge of other people
   • am I my brother's keeper?