nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by nir-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈnir-ˌbī
: close at hand

Examples of nearby in a Sentence

grabbed the nearby quilt and gently laid it over the sleeping child I'll be nearby if you need anything
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There, a tactical response team found a man lying dead with a weapon nearby, whom authorities believe was the shooter. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025 Law enforcement officials responded, locking down neighborhoods nearby and trying to find the shooter in hilly terrain that had plenty of cover, with thick brush and trees and smoke from the fire nearby. Rebecca Boone, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 The bodies' heads were discovered nearby in a plastic bag, authorities said, according to the Associated Press. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 Meanwhile, two patrol officers on an unrelated call nearby had heard the gunfire and called for backup. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nearby

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nearby was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Nearby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nearby. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nearby

adverb or adjective
near·​by ni(ə)r-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈni(ə)r-ˌbī
: close at hand

More from Merriam-Webster on nearby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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