closing

American

[kloh-zing] / ˈkloʊ zɪŋ /

noun

the end or conclusion, as of a speech.
something that closes; a fastening, as of a purse.
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.
an act or instance of failing or going bankrupt.

an increase in bank closings.
complimentary close.

adjective

concluding; ending; final.

closing Cultural

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.

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of L.A.’s most unique art galleries is closing up shop.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Pasadena Humane veterinarians placed a stent in one of Peanut’s nostrils to keep the skin from closing over as the wound healed, according to Holeman.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Another trend that could get investors more excited about software stocks is if they start closing the performance gap relative to chip stocks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

"The stag part of the stagflation is already being felt in terms of restaurants closing down and households having less natural gas," Subramanian said.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

J.W. was closing in on it with his tail high.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023