DictionaryAI

maintenance

noun
MAYN-tuh-nuhns/ˈmeɪnt(ə)nəns/

Pluralmaintenances (some meanings)

6 meanings of maintenance

Practice

  1. 1
    upkeepnoununcountable
    The work of keeping something in good working order, like a car, a building, or software.

    Like brushing your teeth every day so they stay healthy.

    The factory schedules maintenance every six months to keep the machines running.

    Regular maintenance on your car can prevent expensive repairs later.

    UsageSpelled maintenance (not incorrect: maintainance). Often regular maintenance.

    Similarupkeep

  2. 2
    living expensesnoun
    Money used to pay for the things a person or family needs.

    Like the fuel a car needs to keep going.

    Her grant pays for her classes and gives her a small maintenance allowance for food and rent.

    The church gave the old widow a small sum each month for her maintenance.

    UsageOften for someone's maintenance: money for her maintenance.

    Similarsustenance

    Note
  3. 3
    nounUKuncountable
    Money a person must pay to support a former spouse or partner, or their children, especially after separation or divorce.

    Like a bill that keeps coming after a marriage ends.

    After the divorce, he paid monthly maintenance to his ex-wife.

    The court ordered her to pay maintenance as a single lump sum.

    UsagePeople pay maintenance, often every month.

    Similarsupport

    Note
  4. 4
    life processesnoununcountable
    The natural body processes that keep a living thing alive.

    Like keeping a fire burning: the body needs fuel to stay alive.

    Food gives the body the energy it needs for maintenance.

    Sleep plays a big role in the body's maintenance.

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    nouncolloquialPhilippines
    Short form of maintenance medicine. In the Philippines, it means medicine taken regularly to control a long-term illness.
  2. 6
    noun
    The wrong of helping someone pursue or defend a lawsuit when you have no proper reason to be involved.

Practice

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Origin

It comes through Old French from Latin words meaning "to hold in the hand."

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 2 facts