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.
Bass worked with city agencies on strategies for keeping Immigration and Customs Enforcement off city property.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
Samantha Tolmie has given up eating hot meals in order to pay for the vital equipment keeping her son alive - and she is not alone.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Lenovo’s longstanding relationships with chip makers allow it to secure steady chip and component supplies, thereby keeping up with manufacturing timelines, Yu says.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Oil major BP on Tuesday said it’s ousting the chair it appointed only last year, but keeping the chief executive he picked.
From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026
Mr. Palmer bent and put his hands under her arms, gently lifting her out of the water until she stood on her left leg, keeping her right knee bent.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
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.
