zoo

¹

[ zoo ]

noun

, plural zoos.

1. Also called zoological garden. a parklike area in which live animals are kept in cages or large enclosures for public exhibition.
2. Informal. a place, activity, or group marked by chaos or unrestrained behavior.

zoo-

²

1. a combining form meaning “living being,” “animal,” used in the formation of compound words:

   zoometry; zooplankton.

zoo-

¹

combining_form

1. indicating animals

   zooplankton

zoo

²

/ zuː /

noun

1. a place where live animals are kept, studied, bred, and exhibited to the public Formal termzoological garden

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoo¹

First recorded in 1840–50; first two syllables of zoological garden taken as one syllable

Origin of zoo²

Combining form representing Greek zôion animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoo¹

from Greek zōion animal

Origin of zoo²

C19: shortened from zoological gardens (originally applied to those in London)

Idioms and Phrases

see it's a zoo .

Example Sentences

Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korea's main zoo more than 70 animals, including a lion and two brown bears, in yet another display of burgeoning relations between Moscow and Pyongyang.

From BBC

Over the last few days, the government has also closed parks, museums, and zoos.

From NewsForKids.net

Videos and pictures of Moo Deng have made her famous online, and have drawn thousands of people to the zoo in Thailand where she lives.

From NewsForKids.net

The zoo is now joining with animal welfare charities and other campaigners in calling for tighter restrictions on fireworks.

From BBC

Parks and zoos have also been shut until 17 November.

From BBC

Related Words

• circus