noun [U]
1 ~ (of sth) the act of keeping sth in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly:
The school pays for heating and the maintenance of the buildings. * car maintenance
2 ~ (of sth) the act of making a state or situation continue:
the maintenance of international peace
3 (BrE, law) money that sb must pay regularly to their former wife, husband or partner, especially when they have had children together:
He has to pay maintenance to his ex-wife. * child maintenance * a maintenance order (= given by a court of law)
seealsoALIMONY
