proximity
Americannoun
noun
-
nearness in space or time
-
nearness or closeness in a series
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of proximity
First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English; from Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitāt-, stem of proximitās “nearness, adjacent area, vicinity”
Explanation
The word proximity means nearness or closeness. "Because of the proximity of our desks, I couldn't help but notice him cheating on the exam." Your favorite thing about your neighborhood of attached row houses might be the proximity of your neighbors — they're really close to you. Proximity comes from the Latin proximus, "nearest," which also gives us approximate, "close to the actual." You can use this noun to talk about a physical closeness, or something that's near in time, like the proximity of the months April and May.
Vocabulary lists containing proximity
The Great Gatsby
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Hamilton
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
1984
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“One Battle” required a road trip to Anderson’s home in Tarzana, and an executive from Coogler’s Proximity Media stayed in the room with the execs while they read that screenplay on the lot.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026
Looking ahead, how is Proximity adapting to the changing media landscape?
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026
Proximity to U.S. markets cuts transportation costs for goods such as autos.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025
"Proximity... obvious position... not in an obvious position... natural," he said.
From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025
Proximity to the condemned, to people unfairly judged; that was what guided me back to something that felt like home.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
