Zookeeper
/ˈzuːˌkɪpər/noun
A person who cares for and manages animals in a zoo.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient mystical roots, zookeeper is a modern compound, but it literally names a role of containment and care: someone who “keeps” the animals in a “zoo,” a word that ultimately came from the idea of a living menagerie.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
zookeeper
“A keeper or attendant of animals in a zoo.”
19th Century
English
zoo
“Short for zoological garden, a place where live animals are kept for public display.”
19th Century
English
zoological garden
“A garden or park for keeping and displaying animals.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
zōion
“An animal, a living creature.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
zōē
“Life.”
Explore more surprising origins