closer

noun

clos·​er ˈklō-zər How to pronounce closer (audio)
: one that closes
especially : a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing games

Examples of closer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, closers have to be somewhat cocky to succeed in high-pressure situations, and Duran has been excellent on the whole since arriving in Philadelphia. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 The Padres, meantime, displayed a pair of healthy, above-average closers Thursday in Suarez and Miller. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 At some point, though, the Giants will have to find out how well Rodriguez can bounce back when pushed a little harder, as closers need to be from time to time — especially in the postseason. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Those closers are the stars, though. Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for closer

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of closer was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Closer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closer. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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