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Definition of zoo

zoo

/zuː/
zoo
Adverb:zoologically
•
Plural:zoos
•
Adjective:zoological
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zoo Lexical Profile

zoo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A facility or park in which live wild animals are housed within enclosures, cared for, displayed to the public, and often bred for conservation and scientific study.

Example

"The children were excited to see the giraffes and elephants at the city zoo."

2

A situation, place, or environment characterized by crowdedness, noisy confusion, disorder, or chaotic behavior.

Example

"The shopping mall was an absolute zoo on the afternoon before the holiday."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for zoo

• Nearby Words

zoning
zonked
zonkey
zoo
zoodle
zookeeper
zoological

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a colloquial shortening of 'Zoological Gardens', originally referring to the London Zoological Gardens in Regent's Park. It ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek 'zoion', meaning 'living being' or 'animal'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Zoo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/zoo
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