nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by nir-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈnir-ˌbī
Synonyms of nearbynext
: close at hand

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
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.
The observations suggest that the dense dusty torus in NGC 6302 may act as a protective shield, allowing frozen carbon dioxide to survive despite the harsh radiation nearby. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026 Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center are also nearby to help address any medical needs boomers may have over the years. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026 Another local school that didn’t meet earthquake standards, the North Sacramento School, is in the early stages of possibly being converted into a community center, with housing to potentially be built nearby on former school land. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026 The Bridgehead Industrial Project site sits on the Northwest side of Oakley, with single-family residences, the Big Break Regional Shoreline, and Big Break Marina nearby. Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nearby

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nearby was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Nearby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nearby. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

nearby

adverb or adjective
near·​by ni(ə)r-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈni(ə)r-ˌbī
: close at hand

More from Merriam-Webster on nearby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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