First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1close
verb \ˈklōz\
: to move (a door, window, etc.) so that things cannot pass through an opening
: to cover the opening of (something)
: to bring together the parts or edges of (something open)
closedclos·ing
Full Definition of CLOSE
transitive verb
1
3
a : to bring to an end or period <close an account> b : to conclude discussion or negotiation about <the question is closed>; also : to consummate by performing something previously agreed <close a transfer of real estate title> c : to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
4
a : to bring or bind together the parts or edges of <a closed book> b : to fill up (as an opening) c : to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous <close a circuit> d : to reduce to nil <closed the distance to the lead racer>
intransitive verb
1
a : to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening <the door closed quietly> b : to cease operation <the factory closed down> <the stores close at 9 p.m.>
2
a : to draw near <the ship was closing with the island> b : to engage in a struggle at close quarters : grapple <close with the enemy>
3
a : to come together : meet b : to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
4
: to enter into or complete an agreement <close on a deal>
5
: to come to an end or period <the services closed with a short prayer>
6
: to reduce a gap <closed to within two points>
— clos·able or close·able \ˈklō-zə-bəl\ adjective
— close one's doors
1
: to refuse admission <the nation closed its doors to immigrants>
2
: to go out of business
— close one's eyes to
: to ignore deliberately
— close ranks
: to unite in a concerted stand especially to meet a challenge
— close the door
: to be uncompromisingly obstructive <closed the door to further negotiation>
See close defined for English-language learners
See close defined for kids
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Origin of CLOSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere to shut, close; perhaps akin to Greek kleiein to close — more at clavicle
Synonym Discussion of CLOSE
close, end, conclude, finish, complete, terminate mean to bring or come to a stopping point or limit. close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished <close a debate>. end conveys a strong sense of finality <ended his life>. conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting) <the service concluded with a blessing>. finish may stress completion of a final step in a process <after it is painted, the house will be finished>. complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken <the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement>. terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space <your employment terminates after three months>.
2close
noun \ˈklōz\
Definition of CLOSE
1
a : a coming or bringing to a conclusion <at the close of the party> b : a conclusion or end in time or existence : cessation <the decade drew to a close> c : the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
2
: the conclusion of a musical strain or period : cadence
3
archaic : a hostile encounter
4
: the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot
First Known Use of CLOSE
14th century
3close
noun \ˈklōs, United States also ˈklōz\
Definition of CLOSE
1
a : an enclosed area b chiefly British : the precinct of a cathedral
2
chiefly British a : a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements b : a road closed at one end
Origin of CLOSE
Middle English clos, literally, enclosure, from Anglo-French clos, from Latin clausum, from neuter of clausus, past participle
First Known Use: 13th century
4close
adjective \ˈklōs\
: near in space : not far away or distant
: near in time
: very similar : almost the same
clos·erclos·est
Full Definition of CLOSE
1
: having no openings : closed
2
a : confined or carefully guarded <close arrest> b (1) of a vowel : high 13 (2) : formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
3
: restricted to a privileged class
4
6
: hot and stuffy <a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere>
7
: not generous in giving or spending : tight
8
: having little space between items or units <a close weave> <a close grain>
9
a : fitting tightly or exactly <a close fit> b : very short or near to the surface <a close haircut>
10
: being near in time, space, effect, or degree <at close range> <close to my birthday> <close to the speed of sound>
12
13
: decided or won by a narrow margin <a close baseball game>
14
: difficult to obtain <money is close>
15
of punctuation : characterized by liberal use especially of commas
— close·ly adverb
— close·ness noun
— close to home
: within one's personal interests so that one is strongly affected <the speaker's remarks hit close to home>
— close to the bone
: within a sensitive or personal area <the criticism cut close to the bone>
— close to the vest
: in a reserved or cautious manner
See close defined for English-language learners
Origin of CLOSE
Middle English clos, from Anglo-French, from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to CLOSE
Synonym Discussion of CLOSE
stingy, close, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, miserly mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others. stingy implies a marked lack of generosity <a stingy child, not given to sharing>. close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions <folks who are very close when charity calls>. niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible <the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library>. parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess <a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries>. penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty <the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune>. miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding <a miserly couple devoid of social conscience>.
5close
adverb \ˈklōs\
: at or to a short distance or time away
Full Definition of CLOSE
: in a close position or manner
See close defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLOSE
15th century
Close
biographical name \ˈklōz, commonly ˈklōs\
Definition of CLOSE
Chuck 1940– Charles Thomas Close Am. painter
CLOSE[3] Defined for Kids
1close
verb \ˈklōz\
closedclos·ing
Definition of CLOSE for Kids
1
: to cover the opening of <I closed the box.>
2
: to change the position of so as to prevent passage through an opening : shut <Please close the door.>
3
: to bring or come to an end <I closed my account.>
4
: to end the operation of for a period of time or permanently <The school was closed for summer.>
5
: to bring the parts or edges of together <close a book> <Close your eyes.>
6
: 1approach 1 <I was still behind. The finish line was closing. — Jerry Spinelli, Crash>
7
: 1decrease <I ran faster and the gap between us closed.>
— close in
: to come or move nearer or closer <A storm closed in.>
2close
noun \ˈklōz\
Definition of CLOSE for Kids
: the point at which something ends <the close of business>
3close
adjective \ˈklōs\
clos·erclos·est
Definition of CLOSE for Kids
1
: not far apart in space, time, degree, or effect <I was close to the aisle and in good position to scrutinize the feet of new arrivals. — Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted> <It's close to nine o'clock.>
2
: very similar <The material is a close match with the curtains.>
3
: almost reaching a particular condition <Illness brought her close to death.>
4
: having a strong liking each one for the other <close friends>
5
: strict and careful in attention to details <close examination>
6
: decided by a narrow margin <It was a close election.>
7
: 1short 1 <a close haircut>
8
: having little extra space <We all fit, but it was close.>
9
: kept secret or tending to keep secrets
10
: lacking fresh or moving air <a close room>
— close·ly adverb
— close·ness noun
4close
adverb \ˈklōs\
clos·erclos·est
Definition of CLOSE for Kids
: a short distance or time away <The time drew closer.>
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