closing

American  

[kloh-zing] / ˈkloʊ zɪŋ /

noun

1. the end or conclusion, as of a speech.

2. something that closes; a fastening, as of a purse.

3. the final phase of a transaction, especially the meeting at which procedures are carried out in the execution of a contract for the sale of real estate.

4. an act or instance of failing or going bankrupt.

   an increase in bank closings.

5. complimentary close.

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adjective

1. concluding; ending; final.

closing Cultural  

1. Usually applied to real estate transactions, it refers to delivery of the deed of ownership from the owner to the buyer in return for full payment.

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Other Word Forms

• half-closing adjective
• self-closing adjective

Etymology

Origin of closing

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; close, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Stocks plunged, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 6.4% in intraday trading and closing down 5% for the day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Aehr stock fell 5% after Tuesday’s closing bell.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Nexstar had asked the judge to require the plaintiffs to post a $150-million bond to compensate it for damages it would suffer from any delays in closing the deal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Levi’s stock jumped more than 7% in Tuesday’s extended trading, after closing the regular session up 0.3%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

He throws a quick look out the back door before closing it.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• closure
• completion
• conclusion
• termination