keepsake

noun

keep·​sake ˈkēp-ˌsāk 

: something kept or given to be kept as a memento

Synonyms of keepsake

• reminder
• memorial
• souvenir

Examples of keepsake in a Sentence

We were given books as keepsakes of the trip.

saved the tassel from her mortarboard as a keepsake of her high school graduation

Recent Examples on the Web

Tonges proudly keeps that keepsake in a glass case, seeing how that play gave him confidence as well as coaches and Brock Purdy. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Her husband and sons were at the home this morning, laying keepsakes on the doorstep, but did not want to speak. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Family Heirlooms Family heirlooms like wedding keepsakes, fine china, and artwork are some of the most difficult items to part ways with. — The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026

Whether searching for a special keepsake or a standout addition to collection, every find comes with a unique story. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

keep entry 1 + -sake (as in namesake)

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for keepsake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

keepsake

noun

keep·​sake ˈkēp-ˌsāk 

: something kept or given to be kept in memory of a person, place, or happening