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
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
The neighborhood Occupying enviable real estate, the hotel maximizes your stay by its proximity to major sights—mere steps away are one-of-a-kind Austin experiences like Austin City Limits, the Elephant Room, Paramount Theatre, and the Texas Capitol.
—Kathryn Streeter, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
For a splurge that gets you unmatched proximity to the new park, choose Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which has its own dedicated park entrance and an impressive lagoon-style pool.
—Josh Roberts, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Whitefish, a picturesque resort town in northwest Montana known for its proximity to Glacier National Park and world-class skiing, rang in the new year with the opening of a new luxury hotel.
—Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 8 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 12 Jan. 2026.
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proximity
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