close by

phrase

: at a short distance away
Don't worry: if anything happens I'll be (standing) close by.
They're building a school close by.

Browse Nearby Words

close, but no cigar
close by
close by (someone or something)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20by. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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