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

The romantic gesture set off a trend and from around 1790 to 1830, miniature artists began to house these tiny eyes in jewels as precious keepsakes. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Makie Yahagi, who opened the minimalist, serene store in Soho 27 years ago, offers clothes that are not only beautiful and well made, but are pieces worthy of a keepsake box. — New York Times, 31 July 2026

At One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, guests receive miniature ceramic cacti and seasonal ceramic whales filled with sweets, turning the local landscape into a memorable keepsake. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The flag is tattered not just due to age, but also because refugees cut pieces of the flag as keepsakes. — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 23 July 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