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

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

As the sun set for the zoo animals and they headed to bed for the night, we could still provide calming sights of animals for people to tune into.

From Salon

Earlier this year, a Japanese macaque named Honshu escaped from a zoo in Scotland.

From BBC

He added that the zoo's pygmy hippo house would now be closed for a month due to the first 30 days after birth being "critical" for Haggis' development.

From BBC

Related Words

• circus