Zoo

/zuː/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A facility where animals are housed, cared for, and exhibited to the public.
The children were excited to visit the zoo and see all the different animals.
A place that resembles a zoo in terms of being chaotic or filled with various living things.
The party turned into a bit of a zoo with guests overflowing everywhere.
An informal term referring to a situation or place filled with a variety of activity or disorder.
The office felt like a zoo during the last week of the project deadline.

Etymology

The word 'zoo' is a shortening of 'zoological garden', which originates from the Greek word 'zoon', meaning 'animal'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

zoo in my head
A chaotic or confused mental state.
it's a zoo
A place that is very noisy, disorderly, or crowded.

Related Words

zoology
The scientific study of the behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.
wildlife
Animals that live or grow in the natural environment.

Slang Meanings

A chaotic situation or place.
The office was a zoo during the last-minute preparations for the event.
A place that feels overcrowded or chaotic.
The concert turned into a zoo with everyone pushing to get closer to the stage.