keeping
Americannoun
-
agreement or conformity in things or elements associated together.
His actions are not in keeping with his words.
- Synonyms:
- harmony, congruity, consistency
-
the act of a person or thing that keeps; observance, custody, or care.
- Synonyms:
- guardianship, charge, protection
-
maintenance or keep.
-
holding, reserving, or retaining.
noun
-
conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )
-
charge or care
valuables in the keeping of a bank
Synonym Usage
See custody.
Etymology
Origin of keeping
First recorded in 1250–1300, keeping is from the Middle English word keping. See keep, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Keeping them on the line in text exchanges can potentially prevent other victims, sure, but that behavior may also be harming the real-live human on the other end, who doesn’t necessarily have bad intentions.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Keeping track of how many like them are sleeping outdoors without so much as a tent or vehicle to shelter them has become a major concern for the organization.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Keeping his ball on the fairway from the tee - he was fourth best for the week - proved to be an effective tactic which others did not find as simple.
From BBC • May 17, 2026
Keeping smoke out of one individual’s lungs is a small benefit compared to keeping smoking out of the public eye.
From Slate • May 15, 2026
Keeping his expression deadpan, he suggested that I climb it.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
