close-by
Americanadjective
Usage
What does close-by mean? Close-by describes someone or something that is physically near, as in The coffee shop close-by my office is always crowded, so I walk a few more blocks to get coffee. What is considered close-by is highly subjective. For example, if most restaurants are a 15-minute drive away from you, a restaurant that is only 2 minutes away is close-by in comparison. If you usually walk at least 20 minutes to get anywhere, then a place that is only 5 minutes away is close-by. Close-by is also used to describe something as accessible. Keeping something close-by means keeping it within reach or in the same general area. For example, you might keep your mobile phone close-by your person, such as in a purse or bag, so that you can quickly grab it. Close-by is sometimes spelled closeby. Example: If you need to pick up more nails, I think there’s a hardware store close-by.
Etymology
Origin of close-by
First recorded in 1620–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Close by, archaeologists identified the remains of a much larger central building, roughly twice the size of the surrounding homes.
From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025
Wellman’s parents were small breeders and owners in California and had a box at Santa Anita and Del Mar. Close by was a box used by Gary Young, the legendary private clocker.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025
Essex Police previously said it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident after officers were called to Retort Close by the ambulance service at about 23:30 BST on 29 July.
From BBC • Aug. 15, 2024
Close by, Fire Service regulars and trainees crawl through a mesh maze in darkness to practice working in confined spaces.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024
Close by, fresher petals spilled across a newer mound—-the grave of Bonnie Jean Ashida, the Ashidas’ elder daughter, who while visiting Garden City had been killed in a car collision.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
