Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
keep time. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
keep time, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
keep time in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
keep time you have here. The definition of the word
keep time will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
keep time, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English time kepen, kepen time, etc.
Verb
keep time (third-person singular simple present keeps time, present participle keeping time, simple past and past participle kept time)
- To measure time.
- To indicate the time correctly (of a timepiece).
- Antonym: lose time
How well does this old watch keep time?
- To make any regular rhythmical movements at the same time with others.
He couldn't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow, but he keeps time like a damn machine.
- To control the beat or rhythm of a song played by a music group.
Isn't one of the conductor's main jobs to keep time?
- To maintain a schedule set out in a timetable. (e.g. of a train)
- Antonym: lose time
1959 April, P. Ransome-Wallis, “The Southern in Trouble on the Kent Coast”, in Trains Illustrated, London: Ian Allan Publishing, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 220:We never had a chance even to attempt to keep time. An empty stock train from Stewarts Lane was given the road just ahead of us, and from Grosvenor Bridge to Herne Hill we had the signals against us all the way.
Derived terms
Related terms
Anagrams