keep
keep
Keep (verb) means to hold on to something or continue having it, rather than giving it up or losing it. Example: “You can keep the book, I have another copy.”
verb
1
To hold on to something or continue having it, rather than giving it up or losing it.
"You can keep the book, I have another copy."
"She kept all her old letters in a box."
"Please keep the receipt in case you need to return the shoes."
2
To continue doing something, or to stay in a particular state.
"Keep going, we're nearly there."
"Please keep quiet during the performance."
"Keep calm and breathe slowly while the nurse checks your arm."
3
To look after, guard, or support someone or something.
"They keep chickens in the back garden."
"He worked two jobs to keep his family."
"My neighbour keeps bees at the bottom of her large garden."
4
To honour or fulfil a promise, rule, or appointment.
"She always keeps her word."
"You must keep your appointment with the dentist tomorrow morning."
"Please keep your promise and call me as soon as you land."
noun
1
The central, most heavily fortified tower of a castle.
"The soldiers retreated to the keep as the walls fell."
"The lord and his family slept safely inside the keep every night."
"Visitors can climb the narrow stairs of the old keep for views of the valley."
2
The food, money, and other necessities needed to support a person.
"He pays for his keep by helping around the farm."
"She earns her keep by cooking dinner for the whole household."
"The young apprentice received food and a bed as his keep."
How to use keep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold on to, continue, look after, or stay in a state — one of English's most flexible everyday verbs.
Common mistake
Note the fixed phrase "for keeps" (permanently), and "earn one's keep" (justify the cost of supporting someone).
Common pairings
keep going
keep in touch
keep a promise
keep quiet
earn your keep
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Word forms
- Plural
- keeps
- Third person singular
- keeps
- Past tense
- kept
- Archaic forms
- keepest, keptst, keptest, keepeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You can _____ the book, I have another copy.
Etymology
From Old English cēpan ("to seize, observe, take heed of"), a Germanic verb originally about watching and taking care.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for keep
See all rhymes for keep →Frequently asked questions
What does “keep” mean?
The word “keep” means to hold on to something or continue having it, rather than giving it up or losing it. In plain terms, to hold on to, continue, look after, or stay in a state — one of English's most flexible everyday verbs.
How do you pronounce “keep”?
“Keep” is pronounced keep ([k̟çi(ː)p] in IPA).
How do you use “keep” in a sentence?
Here is “keep” used in a sentence: “You can keep the book, I have another copy.”
What part of speech is “keep”?
Depending on how it is used, “keep” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “keep” come from?
The word “keep” comes from Old English. From Old English cēpan ("to seize, observe, take heed of"), a Germanic verb originally about watching and taking care.
Is “keep” a common word?
“Keep” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “keep” have?
“Keep” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold on to something or continue having it, rather than giving it up or losing it.
What is the difference between keep and hold?
'Hold' usually means to grasp or carry something physically for a time. 'Keep' means to retain possession of it, often permanently, or to continue having it. You might hold a book while reading it, but keep it if you never give it back. Keeping implies ongoing possession; holding can be momentary.
What are the different meanings of 'keep'?
Besides retaining possession, 'keep' can mean to continue doing something ('keep walking'), to store something in a place ('I keep it in the drawer'), to look after something ('keep a garden'), or to honour a promise or rule ('keep your word'). Context makes the intended meaning clear.
What is the opposite of keep?
The main opposites are 'give away,' 'lose,' and 'discard' — all involving parting with something rather than holding on to it. Other antonyms include 'release,' 'surrender,' and 'abandon.' Where 'keep' means to continue, its opposite is 'stop,' as in stop rather than keep going.
What is an example of 'keep' in a sentence?
'You can keep the change,' 'She keeps all her old photographs,' and 'Please keep this a secret' show the retaining sense. In the continue sense, you might say 'Keep trying' or 'The rain kept falling.' The word stresses holding on rather than letting go.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing keep in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
SuperAgers' youthful memories are not explained by lucky genes, leaving scientists searching for the hidden forces that keep their minds sharp.
From
ScienceDaily · Jul 25, 2026
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