upkeep

noun

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up·keep | \ ˈəp-ˌkēp

Definition of upkeep

1 : the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition

2 : the cost of maintaining in good condition

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Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings? Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive. The yard requires very little upkeep. We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.

Recent Examples on the Web The British company, responsible for upkeep of the British Crown Jewels from 1843 to 2007, was celebrating its 250th anniversary of crafting sports trophies. — Diane Bell Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Eyes will be on the San Diego skipper in March America’s Cup," 26 Feb. 2021 The cost pays for access to and upkeep of beds; mulch; vegetable, herb and/or flower seeds; and in most gardens, water. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, "Hartford community garden plots, booming in popularity since pandemic started, are available now," 24 Feb. 2021 But as the grounds grew from a 37-acre plot to more than 100 acres, and fair managers added buildings, the upkeep of the grounds and its now 42 buildings became daunting. — Washington Post, "Maryland state fairgrounds in ‘shambles,’ officials say, but there’s not enough money for repairs," 22 Feb. 2021 Michigan Sheriffs' Association Executive Director Matt Saxton, former sheriff of Calhoun County, said commissions on phone contracts typically flow back into the jail to fund upkeep, improvements and programming. — Omari Sankofa Ii, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and Securus: A relationship bound to end, but when?," 5 Feb. 2021 The popular canyon has a $5 fee, with proceeds used for upkeep of campsites, picnic areas and trails. — Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Fees drive away low-income families from outdoor places like Bridal Veil Falls, researchers say," 7 Dec. 2020 Today, tax dollars pay for the upkeep of his large bronze likeness. — Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, "Toppling the Statues, Virtually," 28 Dec. 2020 When not in residence, the couple would rent the estate out to help pay for the upkeep. — Los Angeles Times, "Hot Property newsletter: Real estate deals that just made it under the wire," 26 Dec. 2020 As the village’s water and sewer systems age, the study will, among other things, assess whether rates are adequate to pay for the upkeep of the systems. — Mike Nolan, chicagotribune.com, "Orland Park OKs lower tax levy and budget, but approves water rate hike for 2021," 23 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'upkeep.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

3 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Upkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upkeep. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for upkeep

upkeep

noun

English Language Learners Definition of upkeep

: the process of keeping something in good condition : the care or maintenance of buildings, equipment, etc.

See the full definition for upkeep in the English Language Learners Dictionary

upkeep

noun

up·keep | \ ˈəp-ˌkēp

Kids Definition of upkeep

: the act or cost of keeping something in good condition … “the rent is cheaper than what your old house costs in upkeep.”— Ellen Raskin, The Westing Game