keeping

noun

keep·​ing ˈkē-piŋ How to pronounce keeping (audio)
1
: conformity
in keeping with good taste
out of keeping with the decor
2
: the act of one that keeps: such as
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

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
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.
Grassroots efforts like these stand in stark contrast to the industrial model; small-scale, humane and sustainable approaches to poultry-keeping are becoming increasingly popular, as well as favored. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 In the last 130 years of record-keeping, the top five warmest years took place in the last decade. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Standard options on the Nautilus Reserve include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and suspension, lane-keeping assist, a push start, and a wireless charging pad. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025 Station keeping The Expedition 73 crewmates also took part in activities to maintain the space station's systems and prepare for future research. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keeping

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of keeping was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keeping. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

keeping

noun
keep·​ing
ˈkē-piŋ
1
: watchful attention : care
2
: a proper or fitting relationship : harmony
in keeping with good taste

More from Merriam-Webster on keeping

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!