1 A2 informal
To keep an object somewhere accessible without a specific purpose, just in case it is needed.
"I always keep a spare set of batteries around — you never know when you'll need them."
separable
keep around
B1 informal separable transitive
To retain something or keep someone nearby, often out of habit or convenience.
In plain English
To not throw something away and keep it somewhere nearby, or to keep someone close.
What does "keep around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To maintain a person's presence in your life or on your team, often for practical reasons.
"She's not the most productive employee, but the boss keeps her around because she knows the clients well."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To keep something in the surrounding area.
Actually means
To not throw something away and keep it somewhere nearby, or to keep someone close.
Usage tip
Informal and versatile. Can apply to objects (keeping something in the house just in case), people (keeping someone in your social circle), or animals. The object typically appears between 'keep' and 'around' or after 'around'.
Words that pair with "keep around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
spare tools cash people staff copy key
How to conjugate "keep around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
keep around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps around
he/she/it
Past simple
kept around
yesterday
Past participle
kept around
have + pp
-ing form
keeping around
continuous
Hear "keep around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
hang on to hold on to keep handy keep nearby keep on hand retain
Keep exploring
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