safekeeping

American

[seyf-kee-ping] / ˈseɪfˈki pɪŋ /

noun

the act of keeping safe or the state of being kept safe; protection; care; custody.

safekeeping British

/ ˈseɪfˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

the act of keeping or state of being kept in safety

"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

Etymology

Origin of safekeeping

First recorded in 1400–50, safekeeping is from late Middle English safe kepyng. See safe, keeping

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.

Trust banks typically don’t take deposits or make loans, and instead offer a more limited range of services often revolving around the safekeeping of various assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Her family said she started singing before she could talk and within a few years, she composed a song about a corncob doll that her proud mother transcribed and tucked into a shoebox for safekeeping.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

Instead, trusts charge fees for the safekeeping of customer assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

The police department keeps more than 3,000 items of evidence, found property and property being held for safekeeping, according to the department’s website.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025

The innkeeper, framed by the light of the inn, says, "Calm yourself! They're inside! I brought 'em in for safekeeping."

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

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