close
verb (used with object)
to put (something) in a position to obstruct an entrance, opening, etc.; shut.
was closing
-
past progressiveof close.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
On Reddit, people wrote about receiving one or multiple false collections notices, including, in one case, as the cardholder was closing on a new house.
From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2026
Last week, Tyson said it was closing a major beef processing plant in Illinois, the second one it has shuttered this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
First, championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered some kind of suspension failure when he was closing in on the Ferrari for the lead, and seeming set for another win.
From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026
Mia Meyers, 19, was closing up shop at Sancho’s Tacos, which is located near Pavilions, around 5 p.m. when she witnessed swarms of people pounding on the business’ windows.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026
I’d had this strange sense for hours—that some darkness was closing in.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
