upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
1
: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition
2
: the cost of maintaining in good condition

Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings? Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive. The yard requires very little upkeep. We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Raised beds and no-dig gardening make for easier upkeep, while cover crops and tarps during winter help block weed growth before spring planting. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 June 2025 As an adult, once Leff took the director’s position at the Bakehouse and needed help with upkeep at the deteriorating building, Vasquez would volunteer his crews to make repairs free of charge. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 To keep your velvet blonde looking its best, some simple upkeep in between color appointments will do the trick. Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 June 2025 Chalamet’s longtime hairstylist Jamie Taylor, whose client list includes Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sebastian Stan, is responsible for the upkeep of his pompadour for major events and awards season appearances. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for upkeep

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upkeep was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upkeep. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

upkeep

noun
up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance

More from Merriam-Webster on upkeep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!