nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by nir-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈnir-ˌbī
: 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.
After investing more than $400 million to expand the facility to handle the largest cargo vessels, the company is also building a manufacturing and trade zone nearby in Berbera. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Instead, if your climate allows, try placing containers of deer-repellant herbs (like rosemary, lavender, and sage) nearby. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 Bystanders also took video from the air and water nearby, which may or may not have evidentiary value. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Additional employees standing nearby corroborated the story. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 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 10 Oct. 2025.

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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