closing

American  

[kloh-zing] / ˈkloʊ zɪŋ /

noun

1. the end or conclusion, as of a speech.

2. something that closes; a fastening, as of a purse.

3. the final phase of a transaction, especially the meeting at which procedures are carried out in the execution of a contract for the sale of real estate.

4. an act or instance of failing or going bankrupt.

   an increase in bank closings.

5. complimentary close.

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adjective

1. concluding; ending; final.

closing Cultural  

1. Usually applied to real estate transactions, it refers to delivery of the deed of ownership from the owner to the buyer in return for full payment.

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Other Word Forms

• half-closing adjective
• self-closing adjective

Etymology

Origin of closing

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; close, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Cabinet officials come and go, but the near-immediate removal of Bondi’s image signaled something closer to erasure than transition, a rapid closing of ranks inside a department that had already been under pressure.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Meanwhile, Egypt has told shops, restaurants and cafes to cut energy use by closing early.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Based on Thursday’s stock closing price of $98.66, that stake would be valued at $2.09 billion.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

The stock spent years in the wilderness afterward, falling to as low as $1.50 in July 2022 from a 2017 closing high of $99.61.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Up the slope of the volcano we raced, with Turkey Vulture a stone’s throw behind me—and closing in!

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

Related Words

• closure
• completion
• conclusion
• termination