upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

1

: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition

2

: the cost of maintaining in good condition

Synonyms

• care and feeding
• conservation
• conserving
• keep
• maintenance
• preservation
• preserving
• sustentation

Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings?

Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive.

The yard requires very little upkeep.

We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.

Recent Examples on the Web

With pieces valued between $1 million and $195 million, proper procedures around upkeep and maintenance are essential. —Katia Damborsky, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The Minnesota Department of Administration, which is responsible for the gun’s maintenance, has no dedicated budget for its upkeep. —Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2025

Don't know the first thing about egg-laying hens or their upkeep? —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Its seeking $280,000 from the Denver Climate Protection Fund to pay for the vehicles and their upkeep, per city documents. —Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for upkeep

• asleep
• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• reap
• seep

Kids Definition

upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance