- present participle of keep.
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.
The U.S. says the cash will be freed up only on the condition that Tehran behaves itself, including by keeping the strait open.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
That logic was already suspect, as it’s tough to claim that taxpayer dollars are being “wasted” on technologies aimed at keeping the planet suitable for human habitation.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
If you need 5½ years of bridge spending, consider keeping money in cash, Treasuries, CDs, or short-term bonds.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
The following year the FBI opened a file on Smith, keeping tabs on her travel, her friends and colleagues, and her publications.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
Someone makes an announcement about a birthday cake; someone else makes an announcement about keeping our lockers tidy.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
