proximity

noun

prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the quality or state of being proximate : closeness

Did you know?

You're So Close to Learning More About Proximity

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

the proximity of the curtains to the fireplace was a cause of concern for the safety inspector
Recent Examples on the Web Turkey, with its Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, sits in proximity to both Gaza and Ukraine, putting it in a pivotal position between the two wars now occupying policymakers in Washington. Asli Aydintasbas, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2024 At the same time, thanks to its proximity to Cancun (the city is about a one-hour drive away), residents have access to quality health care and other urban amenities. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2024 Due to the university's proximity to West Lafayette, the city is and was a city full of immigrant students and faculty. Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 31 May 2024 The pressure on him to perform in such close proximity to his father would be untenable. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for proximity 

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitat-, proximitas, from proximus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near proximity

Cite this Entry

“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

proximity

noun
prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsim-ət-ē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the state or condition of being near : nearness

Legal Definition

proximity

noun
prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the quality or state of being proximate

More from Merriam-Webster on proximity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!