keeping

American

[kee-ping] / ˈki pɪŋ /

noun

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.

keeping British

/ ˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )
charge or care

valuables in the keeping of a bank

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

For years, scientists believed astrocytes mainly acted as caretakers, helping hold neurons together and keeping brain circuits running smoothly.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

It is worth keeping in mind that Chinese authorities have been known to understate their actual accumulation, Skoyles noted.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Healthcare is also keeping the labor market afloat.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

She was as good at keeping things back as Fin-Kedinn.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023