keep on verb4 •To persist or continue.Keep on trucking!Mum, Jimmy keeps on poking me! •To persist in talking about a subject, perhaps to the annoyance of the listener.For goodness sake, will you stop keeping on about it! •To cause or allow to remain in an existing position.The new boss would like to keep the present secretary on. •To cause or allow to remain in the on or open position.Should I turn off this light or keep it on?Should I shut off this water or keep it on? formskept on · keeping on · keeps on