proximity
noun
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The fact that the star closest in proximity to our sun (approximately 4.2 light-years distant) is named Proxima Centauri is no coincidence. The history of proximity hinges on the idea of closeness, both physical and metaphorical. English speakers borrowed the word from Middle French, which in turn acquired it from forms of the Latin adjective proximus, meaning "nearest" or "next." Close relatives of proximity in English include proximal, proximate, and the somewhat more rare approximal (meaning "contiguous"). A number of other languages, including Catalan, Portuguese, and Italian, have similar words that come from the Latin proximus.
Examples of proximity in a Sentence
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Amongst the servants, meanwhile, a hierarchy based on standing and rank also dictated living conditions like proximity to the family and who got to eat dinner first.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
The downtown area has also become a focal point for growth, reflecting changing buyer preferences toward walkability, mixed-use neighborhoods, and proximity to offices and cultural offerings.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Our proximity to Silicon Valley is a meaningful advantage, placing Gantri at the intersection of design, art and technology and giving us access to world-class engineering and technical talent.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proximity
Cite this Entry
“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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