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.
While a date for the vote hasn’t been set, a regulatory filing indicates the deal is expected to close by the end of 2026 if it goes through.
From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026
Breaking down in tears in court, Umar Ben Yusaf recalled asking someone close by to help, who carried an unconscious child out of the passenger seat and put them down on the grass verge.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
Seeing deep tracks right after a rain shower can mean the lynx is very close by.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
The deal has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close by the end of 2026.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
There was a crash in the hall as the front door burst open and a smaller crash close by as Cocky dropped a teacup.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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.
