close-by

[ klohs-bahy ]

adjective

1. nearby; adjacent; neighboring.

Word History and Origins

Origin of close-by¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Tired, at last, he resigns the work to his companion, and settles himself upon a branch close-by to rest.

From Project Gutenberg

He emerged upon an animated tableau of modern nymph and modish satyr in a close-by forest aisle.

From Project Gutenberg

In France, there is, in one of the close-by suburbs of Paris, a cemetery for dogs.

From Project Gutenberg

Perched upon a small limb close-by, he seems all vigilance, and is in constant readiness to reply to her calls.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Close-By

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.

Where does close-by come from?

The first records of the term close-by come from around the 1620s. It combines the term close, meaning “near,” and by, meaning “near to.” The repetition of the idea of proximity in close-by emphasizes that idea.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to close-by?

• closeby (alternative spelling)

What are some synonyms for close-by?

• adjacent
• nearby
• neighboring
• adjoining

What are some words that share a root or word element with close-by? 

• close-at-hand
• close call
• nearby
• near at hand

What are some words that often get used in discussing close-by?

• convenient
• accessible
• handy

How is close-by used in real life?

Close-by is a common word used to describe someone or something that is physically near.

Very happy to confirm I’m gonna be at @MCMComicCon / @VidFestUK again this May 25th-27th with new merch (beep beep plushies, anyone?), plenty of hugs to go around, and a shiny new @CrashZoomToon table close-by!

— Thomas ‘TomSka’ Ridgewell (@thetomska) April 27, 2018

My cousin has a 2 year old and a pitbull that's been there before she was born. You dare not make her cry if that beast is close-by. And he sleeps on the floor beneath her bed so even before the baby monitor tells us she's awake, Boss will. Literally follows her around. Cutest.

— Chioma Agwuegbo (@ChiomaChuka) January 18, 2021

People of LONDON, we've hidden a Gold Lost Lager can near Zone 1… are you close-by?#LostAndFound

— BrewDog (@BrewDog) May 31, 2021

Try using close-by!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym of close-by?

A. nearby
B. neighboring
C. far
D. adjacent