proximity
noun
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The fact that the star closest in proximity to our sun (approximately 4.2 light-years distant) is named Proxima Centauri is no coincidence. The history of proximity hinges on the idea of closeness, both physical and metaphorical. English speakers borrowed the word from Middle French, which in turn acquired it from forms of the Latin adjective proximus, meaning "nearest" or "next." Close relatives of proximity in English include proximal, proximate, and the somewhat more rare approximal (meaning "contiguous"). A number of other languages, including Catalan, Portuguese, and Italian, have similar words that come from the Latin proximus.
Examples of proximity in a Sentence
Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
Haddad noted that the mall’s proximity to the freeway allows for quick access in and out of the area.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
Due to its proximity to the bustling town of Hot Springs, your best chances for wildlife viewing are likely early or late in the day.
—Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Healy, a small town that is located about 112 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska, is perhaps best-known for its proximity to Denali National Park, according to its official tourism page.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proximity
Cite this Entry
“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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proximity
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proximity
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