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
CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Illinois lawmakers could also consider carving out municipalities under a certain size or tying rule changes to areas within close proximity to public transportation, major highways or central business districts.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
With proximity to the University of Texas, a mature venture and defense-tech ecosystem, and a growing federal presence, the city offers a unique combination of technical depth and mission alignment for York.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
Due to its proximity to Muirlands, the intersection of Nautilus and Mirola is busy during the morning and afternoon, but not as much in the evening.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 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 28 Feb. 2026.
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