keeping

noun

keep·​ing ˈkē-piŋ 

1

: conformity

in keeping with good taste

out of keeping with the decor

2

: the act of one that keeps: such as

a

: custody, maintenance

b

: observance

c

: a reserving or preserving for future use

3

a

: the means by which something is kept : support, provision

b

: the state of being kept or the condition in which something is kept

the house is in good keeping

Synonyms of keeping

• custody
• care

Examples of keeping in a Sentence

put the house keys into a neighbor's secure keeping while they were on vacation

my aunt has all of our family's old photographs in her keeping

Recent Examples on the Web

Systems are evolving from record-keeping to proactive execution, with AI interpreting information and coordinating workflows. — Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

An automatic numbering system simplifies record-keeping, and instant PDF export makes sending and receiving your invoices seamless. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026

Up to five players can participate, with alternating passing in the same session and onscreen real-time score keeping and leaderboards displays. — Shirl Leigh july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2026

In keeping, La Posta Vecchia’s intimate feel is that of a friend’s family castle, full of eccentric art pieces and quirky nooks and crannies in which to get lost. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing keeping

• how are you keeping
• in keeping with
• in someone's keeping
• keeping a watching brief
• keeping company with the likes of
• keeping room
• keeping the peace
• out of keeping with
• record-keeping
• standing/keeping guard
• what is keeping someone

Rhymes for keeping

• beeping
• creeping
• heaping
• leaping
• peeping
• reaping
• seeping
• sleeping
• steeping
• sweeping
• weeping
• beekeeping

Kids Definition

keeping

noun

keep·​ing

ˈkē-piŋ

1

: watchful attention : care

2

: a proper or fitting relationship : harmony

in keeping with good taste