close

1 of 5

verb

closed; closing

transitive verb

1
a
: to move so as to bar passage through something
Close the gate.
b
: to block against entry or passage
close a street
c
: to deny access to
The city closed the beach.
d
: to suspend or stop the operations of
close school
often used with down
They closed down the factory.
e
: screen, exclude
close a view
2
a
: to bring to an end or period
close an account
closed his football career with an outstanding big bowl performance
Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was accidental.
b
: to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
Remember to save the file before closing it.
c
: to conclude discussion or negotiation about
The question is closed.
also : to consummate (see consummate entry 2 sense 2) by performing something previously agreed
close a transfer of real estate title
3
a
: to bring or bind together the parts or edges of
a closed book
b
: to reduce to nil
closed the distance to the lead racer
c
: to fill up (something, such as an opening)
close the cracks with plaster of paris
d
: to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous
close a circuit
4
archaic : enclose, contain

intransitive verb

1
a
: to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening
The door closed quietly.
b
: to cease operation
The factory closed down.
The stores close at 9 p.m.
2
a
: to come together : meet
The jaws of the vise closed.
b
: to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
3
: to come to an end or period
The services closed with a short prayer.
4
: to enter into or complete an agreement
close on a deal
5
: to reduce a gap
closed to within two points
6
a
: to draw near
The ship was closing with the island.
b
: to engage in a struggle at close quarters : grapple
close with the enemy
closable adjective
or closeable

close

2 of 5

adjective

closer; closest
1
: being near in time, space, effect, or degree
at close range
close to my birthday
close to the speed of sound
2
: intimate, familiar
close friends
3
: strict, rigorous
keep close watch
4
a
: very precise and attentive to details
a close reading
a close study
b
: marked by fidelity to an original
a close copy of an old master
c
: terse, compact
… his exact, close, sober classical style …Edmund Wilson
5
: decided or won by a narrow margin
a close baseball game
6
a
: very short or near to the surface
a close haircut
b
: fitting tightly or exactly
a close fit
7
: confined or carefully guarded
close quarters
close arrest
8
: having little space between items or units
a close weave
a close grain
9
: hot and stuffy
a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
10
: difficult to obtain
Money is close.
11
: not generous in giving or spending : tight
… a close buyer and a good marketer.W. A. White
12
: having no openings : closed
13
: restricted to a privileged class
a close scholarship
14
b
: secretive
She could tell us something if she would …. But she was as close as wax.A. Conan Doyle
15
a
of a vowel : high sense 13
b
: formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
Italian has a close and an open e.
16
of punctuation : characterized by liberal use especially of commas
closely adverb
closeness noun

close

3 of 5

adverb

: in a close position or manner
Don't drive so close to the car in front of you.
Look close and tell me what you see.
They sat close together on the bench.

close

4 of 5

noun (1)

1
a
: a coming or bringing to a conclusion
at the close of the party
b
: a conclusion or end in time or existence : cessation
The decade drew to a close.
c
: the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
At the close of his speech, he thanked his supporters.
2
: the conclusion of a musical strain or period : cadence
Following the close of the symphony, the audience rose and applauded.
3
: the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot
4
archaic : a hostile encounter

close

5 of 5

noun (2)

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
U.S. also
ˈklōz How to pronounce close (audio)
1
a
chiefly British : the precinct (see precinct sense 2a) of a cathedral
b
: an enclosed area
2
chiefly British
a
: a road closed at one end
b
: a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements
Phrases
close one's doors
1
: to refuse admission
The nation closed its doors to immigrants.
2
: to go out of business
The furniture store closed its doors last week.
close one's eyes to
: to ignore deliberately
Officials closed their eyes to allegations of child abuse at the day care center.
close ranks
: to unite in a concerted stand especially to meet a challenge
The family closed ranks to protect one of their own.
close the door
: to be uncompromisingly obstructive
closed the door to further negotiation
close to home
: within one's personal interests so that one is strongly affected
The speaker's remarks hit close to home.
close to the bone
: within a sensitive or personal area
The criticism cut close to the bone.
close to the vest
: in a reserved or cautious manner
She tends to keep her opinions close to the vest.
Choose the Right Synonym for close

Verb

close, end, conclude, finish, complete, terminate mean to bring or come to a stopping point or limit.

close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

Adjective

stingy, close, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, miserly mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others.

stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Example Sentences

Verb We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain. I forgot to close the gate. She was having trouble closing the drawer. Close the lid on the box tightly. The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room. The box's lid closed with a bang. Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done. Please close your books and put them under your desks. Close your eyes and go to sleep. I closed my fists and got ready to fight. Adjective We're not there yet, but we're getting close. We stood close together to stay warm. Christmas is getting closer and will soon be here. Their daughters are close in age. close in size and shape Adverb Don't drive so close to the car in front of you. He told me to stay close as we walked through the crowd. The time for a decision is drawing closer. My teammate came in third, and I finished close behind. They sat close together at the dinner table. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
According to the airport, the upper departures drive was temporarily closed. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 17 May 2023 Later this year, Netflix will close the DVD business that bootstrapped it into a company that has a bigger market valuation ($148 billion as of May 9) than Sony, Warner Bros. Discovery or Paramount. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 May 2023 Residents in the 17100 block of West Adlon Road were advised to stay inside with all points of access closed due to a reported raging bee swarm in the area, according to local news outlet ABC-7. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023 Biden cut short an upcoming overseas trip in hopes of closing an agreement before a June 1 deadline. Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 17 May 2023 One of the biggest amendments closed loopholes to discourage students from transferring to one school to another because of suspension or other disciplinary action in hopes the punishments wouldn’t apply at their new school. James Weber, The Enquirer, 16 May 2023 Walmart is closing 20 stores in 11 states, including Chicago-area stores. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 16 May 2023 The transfer portal window closed last Thursday, and no new Beavers entering the portal. Ndaschel, oregonlive, 16 May 2023 There were messages from the government: Stay indoors, close the curtains, do not stand by the windows. Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2023
Adjective
Of those still standing, the next closest point producers are Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk with 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists) and Vegas’ Jack Eichel at 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists). Joey Hayden, Dallas News, 18 May 2023 Plank Jack How to: Start in a high plank position with hands under shoulders and feet close together. Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 18 May 2023 Given the high mortality rates throughout the life span, Black people are more likely than white people to be grieving the death of a close family member at any point in their lives. Liz Szabo, Anchorage Daily News, 17 May 2023 Looking at the Soviet Union, their advantages were in numbers and in their close approach to Germany, the famous Fulda Gap. IEEE Spectrum, 17 May 2023 This year’s Southeast Asian Games are coming to a close today in Cambodia. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 17 May 2023 Hunter Grafton, Abington — Grafton kept his scoring tear alive, burying five goals and an assist for the Green Wave in a close 12-11 win over Rockland and exploding for eight goals while facilitating eight assists in a dominant win over East Bridgewater. Zachary Lyons, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2023 Their closest relatives that still live today include sponges, sea anemones and comb jellies. Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 17 May 2023 After close examination, conservators found that a lapdog was originally included in Picasso's painting Le Moulin de la Galette, but was later painted out. Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023
Adverb
As vice president, Biden saw up close how domestic politics can complicate foreign policy during the 2013 government shutdown. Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 17 May 2023 Stock markets generally have taken the conflict in stride but have been more volatile in recent days as the deadline has drawn closer. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 17 May 2023 Watch Bridgers and Burnham appear to get close behind an oblivious Urban below. Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 16 May 2023 Hartselle’s Ginger Heath, playing as a n individual, was close behind a 2-under 70. Al.com Reports, al, 16 May 2023 The tournament concluded with thunderclaps drawing closer and a wet Jason and pregnant Ellie and their kids watching from inside the clubhouse as Eckroat’s 46-foot eagle putt missed, clinching victory for Day. Brad Townsend, Dallas News, 15 May 2023 Most persistent and heaviest activity may end by midnight, but showers or even a period of light rain could continue closer toward dawn. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 15 May 2023 The Red Sox closer received one warning, then was charged with two quick-pitch violations resulting in automatic balls — the last resulting in Contreras being awarded with a walk, a critical development that contributed to a three-run Cardinals rally for a 4-3 win at Fenway. Alex Speier, BostonGlobe.com, 13 May 2023 Still, Stone and Roan remained close throughout his childhood. Tabitha Britt, Peoplemag, 11 May 2023
Noun
In November, just before the general election came to a close, many of the same people broke ground on a new concert venue nearby. Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2023 Euphoria There are three weeks left before the 2022-23 high school sports spring season comes to a close. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2023 But behind the scenes, several core aspects of America’s pandemic-era emergency safety net are also coming to a close, from extra food assistance to automatic re-enrollment in Medicaid. Ashraf Khalil, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2023 Meier opened the scoring at 5:58, stuffing a puck past Andersen from in close. Tom Canavan, ajc, 8 May 2023 As its sixth episode draws to an emotional close, viewers may be wondering if there's more to come from the Queen Charlotte story. Erica Gonzales, ELLE, 8 May 2023 The gain was pretty impressive as the advance-decline ratios were strongly positive in early trading and stayed that way through the close. Tom Aspray, Forbes, 7 May 2023 Coinbase shares, which dropped 56% over the past year amid a dropoff in trading, surged 8% after hours to about $52 after a Thursday close at $49. Marco Quiroz-gutierrez, Fortune Crypto, 4 May 2023 Zephyr said her attorneys are unlikely to appeal the ruling since the legislative session is coming to a close. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 3 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'close.' 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

Verb and Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere to shut, close; perhaps akin to Greek kleiein to close — more at clavicle

Adjective

Middle English clos, from Anglo-French, from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere — see close entry 1

Noun (2)

Middle English clos, literally, enclosure, from Anglo-French clos, from Latin clausum, from neuter of clausus, past participle

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 12

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of close was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near close

Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

close

1 of 5 verb
closed; closing
1
a
: to move so as to prevent passage through something
close the gate
b
: to block against passage
close a street
2
: to stop the operations of
close school early
often used with down
3
: to bring or come to an end or conclusion
close a deal
the meeting closed with a song
close the computer program
4
: to bring together the parts or edges of
a closed fist
close the book
5
a
: to draw near
the second-place runner was closing fast
b
: to engage in a struggle at close quarters
close with the enemy
closer noun

close

2 of 5 noun
: the point at which something ends

close

3 of 5 noun
: an enclosed area

close

4 of 5 adjective
closer; closest
1
: having no openings : closed
2
a
: hidden from sight
b
: not open or frank : secretive
3
: rigorous sense 1
keep close watch
4
: hot and stuffy
5
: not generous : stingy
close with money
6
: having little space between items or units
flying in close formation
7
: fitting tightly or exactly
8
: very short or near the surface
a close haircut
9
: being near in time, space, effect, or degree
10
: having a strong liking each one for the other
a close friend
11
: very precise and attentive to details
close measurements
a close observer
12
: decided by a narrow margin
a close race
closely adverb
closeness noun

close

5 of 5 adverb
: in a close position or manner

Legal Definition

close

1 of 2 verb
closed; closing

transitive verb

1
: to bring to an end or to a state of completion
closed the case
close an estate by liquidating its assets
closing his account
2
: to conclude discussion or negotiation about
also : to bring to completion by performing something previously agreed
closing a merger
close the property sale

intransitive verb

1
: to enter into or complete an agreement (as for the sale of real estate)
they closed on the house
2
: to come to an end or to a state of completion
after the class closes, the trust shall continue…until the death of the last surviving member of the classLouisiana Revised Statutes

close

2 of 2 noun
: an enclosed area
break another's close

Biographical Definition

Close

biographical name

ˈklōz How to pronounce Close (audio)
commonly
ˈklōs How to pronounce Close (audio)
Chuck 1940–     Charles Thomas Close American painter

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