keepsake
/ˈkiːpseɪk/
NOUN
1. An object kept as a sentimental reminder
An object given by someone or retained as a reminder of a person, place, event, or experience, usually for sentimental or nostalgic reasons.
1.1. Remembering a person or relationship
Refers to an object kept to preserve memories of someone special, such as a family member, friend, or loved one.
Synonyms
- memento
- souvenir
- token
- remembrance
- relic
- memorial
- reminder
- love-token
Examples
- She cherishes the old locket as a precious keepsake from her grandmother.
- The handwritten letter served as a heartfelt keepsake of their friendship.
- He kept the photograph as a keepsake of his late father.
Related Words
1.2. Remembering a place, journey, or special occasion
Refers to an item retained or acquired to commemorate a visit, journey, celebration, or memorable experience.
Synonyms
- souvenir
- memento
- token
- reminder
- remembrance
- commemorative
- favor
- trophy
Examples
- The couple exchanged personalized gifts as keepsakes of their wedding day.
- She bought a small ornament as a keepsake of her visit to Paris.
- The photo album became a cherished keepsake of their family vacation.
Related Words
- travel
- journey
- celebration
- commemoration
- event
- memory
- collection
1.3. Preserving historical or cultural memories
Refers to an object or item preserved because it represents or commemorates an important historical event, cultural tradition, or significant period in the past.
Synonyms
Examples
- The museum displayed personal keepsakes belonging to historical figures.
- The medals became treasured keepsakes of the soldiers' service.
- The family preserved several historical keepsakes from previous generations.
Related Words
- heritage
- history
- legacy
- tradition
- artifact
- antiquity
- commemoration
NOUN
2. A literary album containing poems, prose, and illustrations
A type of decorative literary album, especially popular during the nineteenth century, containing poetry, prose, engravings, and other contributions.
2.1. A nineteenth-century literary gift book
Refers to an illustrated literary album published as a decorative gift book, typically containing poems, short prose, and engraved illustrations.
Synonyms
- literary album
- gift book
- commemorative album
Examples
- The nineteenth-century keepsake contained poems and beautifully engraved illustrations.
- She discovered a rare literary keepsake in the antique bookstore.
- The collector displayed several Victorian keepsakes in the exhibition.
Related Words
- anthology
- poetry
- prose
- engraving
- illustration
- publication
- literature