noun
Very common
keeping
KEE-pihng
Keeping (noun) means Agreement or harmony, especially in the phrase "in keeping with". Example: “The bright colours of the new sign are not in keeping with the quiet street.”
noun
1
Agreement or harmony, especially in the phrase "in keeping with".
"The bright colours of the new sign are not in keeping with the quiet street."
"Her formal speech was in keeping with the solemn mood of the ceremony."
"The new extension is in keeping with the style of the original house."
2
Care or custody of something.
"I left my spare keys in my neighbour's keeping while we were away."
"The village hall's old records are in the keeping of the local museum."
"The documents were left in the lawyer's keeping."
How to use keeping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly used in the set phrases "in keeping with" (matching or fitting) and "in someone's keeping" (in their care).
Common pairings
in keeping with
in safe keeping
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Word forms
- Plural
- keepings
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The bright colours of the new sign are not in _____ with the quiet street.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for keeping
weeping
peeping
beeping
seeping
sleeping
creeping
sweeping
bleeping
beekeeping
safekeeping
bookkeeping
peacekeeping
See all rhymes for keeping →
Frequently asked questions
What does “keeping” mean?
The word “keeping” means agreement or harmony, especially in the phrase "in keeping with". In plain terms, mostly used in the set phrases "in keeping with" (matching or fitting) and "in someone's keeping" (in their care).
How do you pronounce “keeping”?
“Keeping” is pronounced KEE-pihng (/ˈkiːpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “keeping” in a sentence?
Here is “keeping” used in a sentence: “The new extension is in keeping with the style of the original house.”
What part of speech is “keeping”?
“Keeping” is a noun.
Is “keeping” a common word?
“Keeping” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “keeping” have?
“Keeping” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: agreement or harmony, especially in the phrase "in keeping with".
What does 'in keeping with' mean?
It means in harmony or agreement with something, matching its style, spirit, or rules. If a new extension is in keeping with an old house, it fits naturally alongside it. The phrase is the most common way this sense of 'keeping', meaning harmony or consistency, appears in everyday English.
What is an example of 'in keeping'?
You might say, 'The quiet ceremony was in keeping with her modest character,' or 'The new storefront is in keeping with the historic street.' In both, something matches or suits the surrounding style or expectation, showing the harmony that this sense of 'keeping' describes.
What is the opposite of 'in keeping'?
The opposite is 'out of keeping', meaning something clashes or does not fit its surroundings, like a modern glass tower out of keeping with old cottages. Phrases such as 'at odds with' or 'inconsistent with' carry the same sense of disharmony rather than agreement.
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