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.
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, 28 Sep. 2025 That’s far from 41 degrees or below for safe keeping of cheese, and a Stop Sale was issued. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 This was just one of a great number of changes the couple made to the house over several years, gradually altering the layout of the rooms and adding a bath and an oven as their fortunes improved, thanks to the increasing popularity of Virginia’s work and Leonard’s attentive book-keeping. Katie Da Cunha Lewin september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025 Sustained allegations include medication mismanagement due to lack of training, poor supervision of residents due to short-staffing and improper record-keeping, also due to inadequate training. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keeping. Accessed 6 Oct. 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
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