close-by

[ klohs-bahy ]

/ ˈkloʊsˈbaɪ /

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See synonyms for close-by on Thesaurus.com

adjective

nearby; adjacent; neighboring.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of close-by

First recorded in 1620–30

Words nearby close-by

Cloris, clos, close, close-at-hand, Close, but no cigar, close-by, close call, close communion, close company, close corporation, close-cropped

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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?

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

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

**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

How to use close-by in a sentence

Hopefully not overly close, but we talk about it in the episode how similar it is.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The two strengthened ties over the years and now Krauss considers Epstein a “close” and “considerate” friend.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking|M.L. Nestel|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Ney said McDonnell needs to “keep a stiff lip” and stay in close contact with family members.
Abramoff’s Advice for Virginia’s New Jailhouse Guv|Tim Mak, Jackie Kucinich|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I got to work on all of it—and Epstein kept close tabs on me.
I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

So in that sense we have gotten close to the families that have lost loved ones, be it from one side or the other.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Squinty could look out, but the slats were as close together as those in a chicken coop, and the little pig could not get out.
Squinty the Comical Pig|Richard Barnum
On the upper part of the stem the whorls are very close together, but they are more widely separated at the lower portion.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
All along the highways and by-paths of our literature we encounter much that pertains to this "queen of plants."
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
It was close upon twelve o'clock, and the "Rooms" had been open to the public for two hours.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
In the close relation and affection of these last days, the sense of alienation and antagonism faded from both their hearts.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson

close-by

Origin of close-by

Words nearby close-by

MORE ABOUT CLOSE-BY

What does close-by mean?

Where does close-by come from?

Did you know ... ?

How is close-by used in real life?

Try using close-by!

Words related to close-by

How to use close-by in a sentence

**What does close-by mean?**

**Where does close-by come from?**

**How is close-by used in real life?**

**Try using close-by!**