keeping

American  

[kee-ping] / ˈki pɪŋ /

noun

1. agreement or conformity in things or elements associated together.

   His actions are not in keeping with his words.

   Synonyms:

   harmony, congruity, consistency

2. the act of a person or thing that keeps; observance, custody, or care.

   Synonyms:

   guardianship, charge, protection

3. maintenance or keep.

4. holding, reserving, or retaining.

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keeping British  

/ ˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

1. conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )

2. charge or care

   valuables in the keeping of a bank

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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

She and her siblings believe it was their father's way of coping with the tragedy and keeping Marylyn inside the house.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Here are a few strategies for keeping anticipatory anxiety at bay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Fibroblasts play a key role in keeping the lungs' airways and air sacs stable and functional.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

“Layoffs remain quite low, keeping the labor market in a delicate balance.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

In the telling of any great puffin battle, there reaches a point when the puffin fearlessly avoids pain and injury by courageously keeping out of reach of their enemies.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el