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.

She's "obsessed" with styling outfits and keeping up with the latest kits - and loves seeing fans dressing up on match days.

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

Would Danny give away wishes instead of keeping them?

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

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