# safekeeping

/ˈseɪfˈkipɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈeɪfkiːpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/safekeeping
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

keeping something safe and protected until you need it again. You use it when someone looks after your valuables for you.

For teachers: protection and secure custody of valuables or documents on behalf of another, with the expectation of future return.

## Examples

- I leave my passport with my sister for safekeeping.
- The neighbour keeps a spare key for safekeeping while the family is on holiday.
- The archive accepted the fragile letters for safekeeping, storing them in climate-controlled vaults until scholars could study them.

## Usage notes

- Typically appears in the phrases 'for safekeeping' and 'in safekeeping'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.