close shave

noun

ˈklōs- How to pronounce close shave (audio)
ˈklōsh-
: a narrow escape

Examples of close shave in a Sentence

I've had a few close shaves in my lifetime, but this one was the scariest. the passengers in the jeep had a close shave when a mine exploded just a few yards away
Recent Examples on the Web And even though the popular razors with disposable heads seemed to offer a close shave for the first three uses, the process of purchasing new heads every month felt tedious at best, wasteful at worst. Erika Veurink, wsj.com, 27 Dec. 2023 In astronomical terms, that’s a hair’s breadth, the closest of close shaves. Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2023 For those who enjoy a close shave, the Ivy Bronx Ickes LED Mirror with Defogger is a step up from any ordinary mirror. Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 The flexible, pivoting blades can contour to the head and neck for a close shave without worrying about any potential nicks. Good Housekeeping, 31 Aug. 2023 The final section follows the template of The Meg on a larger scale, as the scene shifts to a tourist resort ominously called Fun Island, where our heroes have lots of close shaves with the megs, while some of the vacationers aren’t so lucky. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2023 Safety razors and straight razors are actually quite easy to shave with (and get you a close shave), but there is a small learning curve. Parker Hall, WIRED, 29 June 2023 Two foils guard the surgical steel blades underneath for a close shave without irritation. Jack Byram, Health, 5 July 2023 Curved blades underneath the foils promote a close shave. Jack Byram, Health, 5 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'close shave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close shave was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near close shave

Cite this Entry

“Close shave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20shave. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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