scorekeepers
|score-keep-ers|
🇺🇸
/ˈskɔːrˌkiːpər/
🇬🇧
/ˈskɔːˌkiːpə/
(scorekeeper)
one who keeps a tally
Etymology
'scorekeeper' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'score' and 'keeper', where 'score' meant 'a notch or tally' and 'keeper' meant 'one who keeps or guards'.
'score' changed from Old English/Old Norse words such as 'scoru'/'skor' into Middle English 'score', and 'keeper' came from Old English 'cēpan' (to hold/keep) and Middle English 'keper', eventually forming the modern English compound 'scorekeeper'.
Initially, 'score' meant 'a notch or cut used for tallying'; over time it shifted to mean 'points' or 'tally of points', and 'scorekeeper' came to mean 'a person who records points'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of scorekeeper: persons who record the points or runs scored in a game or match (official or unofficial).
The scorekeepers wrote down every basket and free throw during the game.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural (figurative): people or systems that track, tally, or monitor results, wins/losses, or other measurable outcomes (e.g., in business, politics, or media).
Political scorekeepers kept track of the candidate's debate performances and public gaffes.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/05 14:10