upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
1
: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition
2
: the cost of maintaining in good condition

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
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.
Fewer people are working in the industry each year, said Duarte, and crabbing is a difficult industry with a short season, and costly upkeep for boats and traps. Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 Those who build, manage, upkeep, and govern AI agents – the Agent Bosses. Swami Chandrasekaran, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025 From the initial purchase to the lifelong upkeep, getting a dog can certainly be expensive. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 That two-story house requires a lot of upkeep. David McMillin, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upkeep

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upkeep was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Upkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upkeep. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

upkeep

noun
up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance

More from Merriam-Webster on upkeep

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