closing

[ kloh-zing ]
See synonyms for closing on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the end or conclusion, as of a speech.

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

  1. 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.

  2. an act or instance of failing or going bankrupt: an increase in bank closings.

adjective
  1. concluding; ending; final.

Origin of closing

1
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at close, -ing1

Other words from closing

  • half-closing, adjective
  • self-closing, adjective

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

How to use closing in a sentence

  • Greetings and closings are more formal when the woman addresses a masculine stranger or slight acquaintance by letter.

    Book of Etiquette, Volume 2 | Lillian Eichler Watson
  • Commanders were frequently quizzed on the probable effects of the imposition of off-limits sanctions or base closings.

  • Thus, closings, such as "Very truly" or "Sincerely" are in bad form.

    Book of Etiquette | Lillian Eichler

Cultural definitions for closing

closing

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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.