housekeeping

[hous-kee-ping] /ˈhaʊsˌki pɪŋ/
noun
1.
the maintenance of a house or domestic establishment.
2.
the management of household affairs.
3.
the management, care, and servicing of property and equipment of an industrial or commercial building or organization.
4.
the ongoing routine, procedures, operations, and management of a commercial enterprise, government, organization, or the like.
5.
Computers. system tasks, as initialization and managing peripheral devices, that must be done to permit a computer program to execute properly but that do not directly contribute to program output.
Origin
1530-40; house + keeping

housekeep

[hous-keep] /ˈhaʊsˌkip/
verb (used without object), housekept, housekeeping.
1.
to keep or maintain a house.
Origin
1835-45; back formation from housekeeping
Examples from the web for housekeeping
  • It was invented by a mom who studied sanitation and housekeeping while getting a degree in hotel management.
  • The companion never performs the services of a maid-but she occasionally does the housekeeping.
  • He may leave to others the costly conveniences of housekeeping, and large hospitality, and the possession of works of art.
  • Sealed bidding is appropriate for the procurement of hand tools and housekeeping services.
  • People who think they know how to run the world generally have housekeeping that's going undone.
  • housekeeping provided for guests who stay more than seven nights.
  • housekeeping provides services for guests staying seven or more nights, and additional cleaning services may be purchased.
  • Cabins sleep up to eight people, with housekeeping available.
  • For extended stays, housekeeping is offered once a week and more frequently for an extra charge.
  • Standard guest rooms and suites are available, each with a private bath, tea and coffee service and daily housekeeping.
British Dictionary definitions for housekeeping

housekeeping

/ˈhaʊsˌkiːpɪŋ/
noun
1.
the running of a household
2.
money allocated for the running of a household
3.
organization and tidiness in general, as of an office, shop, etc
4.
the general maintenance of a computer storage system, including removal of obsolete files, documentation, security copying, etc
Word Origin and History for housekeeping
n.

1540s, from house (n.) + present participle of keep (v.).