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
Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
Chavez said the building’s proximity to the water led to unforeseen construction delays.
—Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Many people moved to the area for its quiet character and proximity to the lake, Armstrong said.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
In recent years, Bansko, a small ski resort town at the foot of Pirin Mountain, has emerged as an international expat hub, offering endless mountain views and proximity to some of northern Greece's best beaches.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 2026.
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proximity
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