keep on
phrasal verb
kept on; keeping on; keeps on
1
informal
: to continue happening, doing something, working, etc.
The rain kept on throughout the day.
He talked and talked. At one point I thought he would keep on all night.
She kept on talking after I told her to be quiet.
2
: to continue to have (someone) as an employee
The chef was kept on even after the restaurant was sold.
Examples of keep on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
More surprisingly, however, some things can actually cause a hazard if they’re kept on countertops.
—
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
Mooney's parents described inhumane conditions at the detention center, including inadequate food, no mats or blankets for sleeping, and lights kept on all night.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
As Squid Game continues to be the gift that keeps on giving for Netflix, the streamer is adding more reality to the mix.
—Peter White, Deadline, 10 July 2025
To pour into their lives was a gift that kept on giving, mutually.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for keep on
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Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
Mooney's parents described inhumane conditions at the detention center, including inadequate food, no mats or blankets for sleeping, and lights kept on all night.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
As Squid Game continues to be the gift that keeps on giving for Netflix, the streamer is adding more reality to the mix.
—Peter White, Deadline, 10 July 2025
To pour into their lives was a gift that kept on giving, mutually.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for keep on
Cite this Entry
“Keep on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20on. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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