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 Jill Duggar Dillard is feeling grateful after a close shave. Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024 In astronomical terms, that’s a hair’s breadth, the closest of close shaves. Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 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 My personal choice, No. 1 I Tre Mori, had a close shave in round one against No. 8 Richard's Brick Oven. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Mar. 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 26 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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