approach

1 of 2

verb

ap·​proach ə-ˈprōch 

approached; approaching; approaches

transitive verb

1

a

: to draw closer to : near

approach a destination

b

: to come very near to : to be almost the same as

… its mathematics approaches mysticism.

—Theodore Sturgeon

as the quantity x approaches zero

2

a

: to make advances to especially in order to create a desired result

was approached by several Broadway producers

b

: to take preliminary steps toward accomplishment or full knowledge or experience of

Try to approach the subject with an open mind.

intransitive verb

1

: to draw nearer

The time is fast approaching.

2

: to make an approach in golf

approach

2 of 2

noun

plural approaches

1

a

: an act or instance of approaching

the approach of summer

b

: approximation

In this book he makes his closest approach to greatness.

2

a

: the taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purpose

experimenting with new lines of approach

b

: a particular manner of taking such steps

a highly individual approach to language

3

: a means of access : avenue

4

a

or approach shot : a golf shot from the fairway toward the green

b

: the steps taken by a bowler before delivering the ball

also : the part of the alley behind the foul line from which the bowler delivers the ball

5

: the descent of an aircraft toward a landing place

The plane was on final approach.

6

: the surgical procedure or path by which access is gained to a bodily part

A lateral approach was used to direct a 25-gauge, 10-cm spinal needle onto the articular pillar adjacent to the target joint.

—Leslie Barnsley et al.

Synonyms

Verb

• belly up
• close
• close in
• come up
• draw on
• near
• nigh

Noun

• avenue
• passage
• path
• route
• way

Examples of approach in a Sentence

Verb

The cat approached the baby cautiously.

Ease off the gas pedal to slow down as the bend in the road approaches.

We are approaching the end of the fiscal year.

This weekend we're expecting temperatures approaching 100 degrees.

The success rates approach 90 percent.

He has a wild laugh that sometimes approaches hysteria.

a reproduction that approaches the quality of the original painting

The supervisor is quite easy to approach, so don't hesitate to bring up any problems you have.

We were advised to never be too aggressive when approaching a potential client.

Noun

trying a more healthy approach

The cat made a cautious approach.

The quiet afternoon was interrupted by the approach of a motorboat.

A loud growl warned us of the bear's approach.

With the approach of summer came longer, hotter days.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

After an hour spent watching her team practice in late fall 2024, Chiles approached Coach McDonald. —Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

In a recent video shared by the shelter, Shawn lit up as a volunteer approached his kennel. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025

Noun

Ultimately, the new police chief must value community, embrace diversity, and promote a responsive, inclusive approach to law enforcement. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

Given the number of cardinals whom Pope Francis has appointed — 111 out of the 141 who would vote for the next pope — his successor is likely to be from the Global South and more progressive in theology and approach than Pope John Paul II or Pope Benedict XVI, who preceded Pope Francis. —Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English approchen, from Anglo-French aprocher, from Late Latin appropiare, from Latin ad- + prope near; akin to Latin pro before — more at for

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing approach

• approach shot

Rhymes for approach

• cockroach
• encroach
• reproach
• stagecoach
• broach
• coach
• loach
• poach
• roach
• roche

Kids Definition

approach

1 of 2 verb

ap·​proach ə-ˈprōch 

1

: to come near or nearer

2

: to begin to deal with

approach a problem

approach

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act or instance of approaching

2

: a beginning step toward an end

3

: way of dealing with something

try a new approach

4

: a way (as a path or road) to get to some place

Medical Definition

approach

noun

ap·​proach ə-ˈprōch 

: the surgical procedure by which access is gained to a bodily part