How to pronounce upkeep
Say it like UHP-keep. Upkeep has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce upkeep. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHP
- keep
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Upkeep pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- keepGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of upkeep
American and British speakers say upkeep in essentially the same way: /ˈʌpˌkip/ in the US and /ˈʌpˌkiːp/ in the UK.
British respelling: UHP-keep.
What does upkeep mean?
- Maintenance; the act or effort of keeping something in good and working condition.“I would enjoy having a swimming pool, but I don't want to deal with the upkeep.”
- To maintain (something) or keep it in good repair.“Do you know how to upkeep a boat?”
Where does upkeep come from?
From up + keep.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying upkeep
How do you pronounce upkeep?
Say UHP-keep. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌpˌkip/. In British English it is /ˈʌpˌkiːp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in upkeep?
Upkeep has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP). Broken into parts: UHP · keep.
Do Americans and Brits say upkeep the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈʌpˌkip/ and the British form is /ˈʌpˌkiːp/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.