nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by nir-ˈbī 

ˈnir-ˌbī

: close at hand

Synonyms of nearby

• near
• close
• neighboring

Examples of nearby in a Sentence

grabbed the nearby quilt and gently laid it over the sleeping child

I'll be nearby if you need anything

Recent Examples on the Web

What to do nearby The best thing about the hotel is its central location, meaning all the main attractions are within walking distance. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

Better aircraft tracking and flow management could also help minimize noise for residents nearby, according to transportation officials. — Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Beside it, another sensor detects signals broadcast by devices traveling nearby, such as your phone and your colleague’s smartwatch. — Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Residents and volunteers formed human chains, while others stood silently nearby, listening for tapping sounds or cries from below. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nearby

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by ni(ə)r-ˈbī 

ˈni(ə)r-ˌbī

: close at hand