zoo

Definition

A zoo is a place where wild or exotic animals are kept for people to see. Many zoos also care for animals, study them, and help protect endangered species.

Usage & Nuances

Most common in everyday speech: 'go to the zoo', 'see animals at the zoo', 'zoo animals'. In informal English, 'a zoo' can also mean a place that is noisy, crowded, or out of control: 'This office is a zoo today.'

Example Sentences