housekeep

verb

house·​keep ˈhau̇s-ˌkēp How to pronounce housekeep (audio)
housekept ˈhau̇s-ˌkept How to pronounce housekeep (audio) ; housekeeping
Synonyms of housekeepnext

intransitive verb

: to perform the routine duties (such as cooking and cleaning) of managing a house

Examples of housekeep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tip porters and housekeeping staff in Croatian Kuna and round up for taxi fares. — Leena Kim, Town & Country, 22 May 2019 There were families with little children laid off from amusement parks, housekeeping jobs and restaurants. — Jack Healy, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2020 Groups that seek to limit the influence of money in politics said the changes are far more serious than housekeeping. — Rob Davis, ProPublica, 13 Mar. 2026 Maribel does housekeeping for an Airbnb, and MindShiftED stores its equipment in a shed on the property for free. — Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for housekeep

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from housekeeper

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of housekeep was in 1813

Rhymes for housekeep

See All Rhymes for housekeep

Browse Nearby Words

househusband
housekeep
housekeeper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Housekeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housekeep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for housekeep

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