How to Pronounce Keep

To pronounce "keep", say KEEP — one syllable, IPA /kiːp/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

keep

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/kiːp/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “keep”

"keep" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with creep and weep, if that helps it stick.

What does keep mean?

noun

  1. The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.
  2. The food or money required to keep someone alive and healthy; one's support, maintenance.

    “He works as a cobbler's apprentice for his keep.”

verb

  1. To continue in (a course or mode of action); not to intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain.

    “to keep silence;  to keep one's word;  to keep possession”

  2. (heading) To hold the status of something.

Synonyms

donjonretainpreserveprotect

Hear “keep” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with keep

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

creepweepdeepsweeppeepreapleapsteepheapseepclepesleep

Related words

continuesustainretainsupportmaintainsustenanceproceed

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "keep"?▾

"Keep" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "keep"?▾

The IPA transcription of "keep" is /kiːp/.

What does "keep" mean?▾

Keep: The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.

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