verb
Meaning 1
To measure time.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Phrase guide
keep time
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
Meaning 2
To indicate the time correctly (of a timepiece).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
- How well does this old watch keep time?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: lose time
verb
Meaning 3
To make any regular rhythmical movements at the same time with others.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
- He couldn't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow, but he keeps time like a damn machine.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 4
To control the beat or rhythm of a song played by a music group.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
- Isn't one of the conductor's main jobs to keep time?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 5
To maintain a schedule set out in a timetable. (e.g. of a train)
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: lose time
History
Etymology
From Middle English time kepen, kepen time, etc.