Search Dictionary
Definition of upkeep

upkeep

/ˈʌp.kiːp/
up · keep
JUMP TO:

upkeep Lexical Profile

upkeep Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of keeping something, such as a building, vehicle, or piece of equipment, in good and serviceable condition.

Example

"Regular upkeep of the historic mansion requires a dedicated team of carpenters and groundskeepers."

2

The financial cost or resources required to maintain something in good condition or to support a person or animal.

Example

"They decided to sell the boat because its annual upkeep had become too expensive."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for upkeep
Antonyms
View all antonyms for upkeep

• Nearby Words

upholsterer
upholstery
upington
upkeep
upland
uplift
uplifter

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century as a compound of the adverb 'up' and the verb 'keep', originally used in Scottish dialects to denote the act or cost of maintaining something in working order.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Upkeep. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/upkeep
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.