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
Related Words
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.
This represents the debt capacity available while keeping balance sheets on solid footing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
Investors are also keeping an eye on attempts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he was pushing to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
The $2 billion ‘e-tab’ gold rush in states like North Dakota is keeping sports leagues, tourism bureaus and other nonprofits afloat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
As long ago as 2021, Vance tweeted: "What possible interest would the US government have in keeping Epstein's clients secret?"
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
She smiled like someone who was used to keeping secrets, and she took a seat at the wide desk.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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.
