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.
Close by, archaeologists identified the remains of a much larger central building, roughly twice the size of the surrounding homes.
From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025
Close by, police and Trading Standards officers show us more mini-marts that have been left empty - they say staff disappeared as soon as police arrived.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2025
Close by, Fire Service regulars and trainees crawl through a mesh maze in darkness to practice working in confined spaces.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024
Close by, the receiver expected to seamlessly step into his place, Mario Williams, would never step on the field.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2022
Close by, fresher petals spilled across a newer mound—-the grave of Bonnie Jean Ashida, the Ashidas’ elder daughter, who while visiting Garden City had been killed in a car collision.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
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.
