close
42 ENTRIES FOUND:
- close (verb)
- close (adjective)
- close (adverb)
- close (noun)
- close (noun)
- close–cropped (adjective)
- closed (adjective)
- closed–captioned (adjective)
- closed–circuit (adjective)
- closed–door (adjective)
- closed–minded (adjective)
- closed–mouthed (adjective)
- close–fitting (adjective)
- close–knit (adjective)
- close–minded (adjective)
- close–mouthed (adjective)
- close–set (adjective)
- close–up (noun)
- close call (noun)
- close shave (noun)
- complimentary close (noun)
- bone (noun)
- book (noun)
- card (noun)
- chest (noun)
- cigar (noun)
- come (verb)
- comfort (noun)
- cut (verb)
- door (noun)
- edge (noun)
- eye (noun)
- heart (noun)
- home (adverb)
- mark (noun)
- quarter (noun)
- rank (noun)
- sail (verb)
- shop (noun)
- up (adverb)
- vest (noun)
- wind (noun)
closes;
closed;
closing
closes;
closed;
closing
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLOSE
◊ The opposite of close is open in every sense except senses 3b and 9.
1
:
to move (a door, window, etc.) so that things cannot pass through an opening
:
shut
[+ object]
-
Please close the door.
-
We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain.
-
I forgot to close the gate.
-
She was having trouble closing the drawer.
-
Close the lid on the box tightly.
[no object]
-
The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
-
The box's lid closed with a bang.
2
[+ object]
:
to cover the opening of (something)
:
shut
-
Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done.
3
a
:
to bring together the parts or edges of (something open)
[+ object]
-
Please close your books and put them under your desks.
-
Close your mouth.
-
Close your eyes and go to sleep.
-
I closed my fists and got ready to fight.
-
close an umbrella
[no object]
-
This suitcase just won't close!
-
Her eyes closed, and she drifted off to sleep.
-
My throat closed and I felt like I couldn't breathe.
b
:
to bring together the edges of (a wound) so that it can heal
[+ object]
-
It took 10 stitches to close the wound on his head.
[no object]
-
The cut eventually closed [=closed up, healed over] on its own.
4
:
to not allow (a road, park, etc.) to be used for a period of time
[+ object]
-
The city closed [=closed off] the beach during the storm.
-
They closed the bridge to traffic. [=they did not allow cars to use the bridge]
[no object]
-
The park closes every evening at dusk.
5
a
:
to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time
[+ object]
-
They closed the school today because of the storm.
-
We'll be closing the theater while we make the necessary repairs.
[no object]
-
The store closes for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.
-
The airport closed for two hours yesterday due to icy conditions.
-
The bank closes at noon on Saturdays.
-
What time does the library close?
b
:
to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) permanently
[+ object]
-
They closed [=closed down, shut down] the school/factory/office last year.
[no object]
-
The restaurant has closed for lack of business.
-
The play closed [=it stopped being performed] after 112 performances.
6
:
to end (something)
[+ object]
-
The minister closed [=concluded] the services with a short prayer.
-
She closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their help.
-
Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was an accident.
[no object]
-
The services closed [=concluded] with a short prayer.
-
I'd like to close by thanking you all for your help.
7
[+ object]
:
to stop keeping money in (an account at a bank)
-
I closed [=closed out] my savings account and opened up a new one at another bank.
8
[+ object]
:
to end the use of (a file, document, or program) on a computer
-
Remember to save the file before closing it.
9
[+ object]
:
to formally accept (an agreement)
—
see also close on (below)
-
They just closed a deal to take ownership of a new restaurant.
-
the custom of closing a deal by shaking hands
10
[no object]
:
to reach a specified price or level at the end of the day
-
The stock opened at $19 a share and closed at $22.
-
Stocks opened weak but closed strong.
11
:
to reduce the amount of distance or difference between two things, people, or groups
[+ object]
-
The challenger has closed [=narrowed] the champion's lead to within two points.
-
closing the distance to the lead runner
-
These changes will help close the gap between the richest and the poorest countries.
[no object]
-
She has closed to within two points of the champion.
close down
[phrasal verb]
1
b
British
:
to stop broadcasting from a radio or television station for the day
-
We're closing down for the night: tune in again tomorrow morning!
2
close down (something)
or
close (something) down
:
to permanently stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.)
—
see also closedown
-
They closed down [=closed, shut down] the school due to financial problems.
close in
[phrasal verb]
:
to come or move nearer or closer
— often + on
-
The storm is closing in [=approaching] fast.
-
Enemy troops are closing in all around us!
-
The lions closed in for the kill.
-
I felt that the world was closing in around me.
-
The air became colder as night/darkness closed in. [=as darkness fell, as the night became dark]
-
The fire was closing in on their neighborhood.
-
The camera slowly closed in on the actor's face.
-
Police were closing in on the two men.
-
Researchers are closing in on [=they are close to finding] a cure for the disease.
-
She's closing in on 40. [=she is almost 40 years old]
close off
[phrasal verb]
close off (something)
or
close (something) off
:
to not allow (something) to be used for a period of time
:
close
— sometimes used figuratively
-
The city closed off the beach to tourists.
-
closing off a road with barriers
-
Half of the museum was closed off while they made the changes.
-
He closes himself off to new experiences. [=he does not allow himself to have new experiences]
close on
[phrasal verb]
close on (something)
US
:
to formally and legally agree to and complete (an important financial arrangement, such as the purchase of a house)
—
see also 1close 9 (above)
-
We're going to close on our house next Friday.
-
They closed on the deal.
close out
[phrasal verb]
1
close out (something)
US
:
to quickly sell (all of a particular type of product in a store) at a lower price
—
see also closeout
-
We're closing out our entire stock of children's clothing! Come and pick up some bargains!
2
:
to stop keeping money in (a bank account)
-
She withdrew all her money and closed out [=closed] her account.
3
:
to end (something) in a specified way
-
The team closed out the series with a 2–1 win over New York.
-
She closed out her remarkable career with a final grand performance.
close ranks
close the door on
close up
[phrasal verb]
1
a
:
to close and lock all the doors of a building usually for a short period of time
-
Businesses closed up [=closed] early so employees could attend the parade.
-
We've closed up for the day. Please come back tomorrow.
b
close (something) up
or
close up (something)
:
to close and lock all the doors of (a house, store, etc.)
-
They closed up the house and left town.
◊ To close up shop is to go out of business forever or stop performing all services or activities for a period of time.
-
Rather than closing up shop entirely, the company laid off half of its workers.
-
The restaurant has already closed up shop for the winter.
2
:
to move closer together
-
The troops closed up and prepared to begin the attack.
3
of a wound
:
to become completely healed
-
The cut eventually closed up [=closed] on its own.
4
:
to become quiet
:
to stop talking about your thoughts or emotions with other people
-
She closes up when people ask her about her parents.
5
close (something) up
or
close up (something)
:
to bring (people or things) closer together
-
Close up the spaces between the lines.
close your doors
close your eyes to
closer;
closest
closer;
closest
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLOSE
1
:
near in space
:
not far away or distant
— often + to
—
see also close encounter at 2encounter
-
We're not there yet, but we're getting close.
-
We stood close together to stay warm.
-
New York is much closer to Chicago than it is to Los Angeles.
-
Don't get too close to the fire.
-
Stay close to me, children!
-
Let's try to sit close to the front.
-
The trees were planted in close proximity to [=near] the building.
-
The gun is made for shooting at close range. [=from a short distance]
-
We were able to observe their behavior at close quarters. [=from a short distance]
-
Over 200 people lived in close quarters [=very close together] on the ship.
2
:
near in time
— often + to
-
Christmas is getting closer and will soon be here.
-
She had her two children very close together. [=her second child was born soon after her first]
-
You shouldn't snack so close to dinnertime.
-
It's getting close to midnight.
-
My birthday is close to Thanksgiving.
3
not used before a noun
:
very similar
:
almost the same
— often + to
-
Their daughters are close in age.
-
close in size and shape
-
a sound close to the sound of breaking glass
-
He bears a close resemblance to his father. [=he looks very much like his father]
4
not used before a noun
:
almost correct
-
“I'd guess that you're 29 years old.” “You're close. I'm 30.”
-
It's not exactly right, but it's close.
-
You're way off! Not even close! [=you are completely wrong]
◊ The informal phrase close but no cigar is used to say that a guess was almost correct or that an effort was almost good enough.
-
“Was I right?” “Close, but no cigar.”
-
We were close but no cigar.
5
a
— used to say that someone or something has almost reached a particular condition
— + to
-
He was close to death when they brought him to the hospital.
-
These rare birds are close to extinction.
-
His reply left her close to tears. [=his reply almost made her cry]
b
:
almost doing something
— + to
-
She was close to crying.
-
The bridge came dangerously close to collapsing. [=the bridge almost collapsed]
6
— used to say that something bad almost happened
—
see also too close for comfort at 1comfort
-
That was close! We almost missed our plane.
-
That was a close one. [=close call, close shave]
7
— used to describe the people you are most directly related to (such as your parents, children, sisters, brothers, etc.)
—
compare distant
-
She had no close relatives nearby.
-
We're only inviting close family members to our wedding.
8
— used to describe people who know each other very well and care about each other very much
— often + to
-
They were close friends in high school, but they've since grown apart.
-
My sister and I have always been very close.
-
We have a very close relationship.
-
We've always felt very close to each other.
-
He's very close to his grandparents.
9
:
connected in a direct way
— sometimes used figuratively
-
Sources close to the president say that he is willing to make a deal.
-
She stays in close touch/contact with her friends back home.
-
Authorities claim he has close ties to terrorist organizations.
-
This idea lies close to the heart of Democracy. [=it has an important connection to Democracy]
-
Animal rights is a cause that is close to my heart. [=I care very much about animal rights]
10
:
very careful, complete, or precise
-
It's important to pay close attention to the details.
-
Take a closer look at the evidence.
-
On closer examination, it appeared that something was missing.
-
We worked under the close supervision of a trained professional.
-
a close study of the Greek classics
-
a close reading of a text
-
Keep (a) close watch on the baby. = Keep a close eye on the baby. [=watch the baby closely]
11
— used to describe a race, contest, game, etc., in which one person, group, or team defeats the other or is leading the other by only a small amount
-
That was a close game. We only beat them by one point.
-
It was the closest election in recent history.
-
a close race
-
At this point, the election is too close to call. [=it is not clear who will win]
◊ When you are a close second, there is a small difference between you and the winner.
-
Vanilla is the most popular flavor while chocolate is/finishes/runs a close second.
-
She won the race while her teammate came in a close second. [=her teammate finished soon after her]
12
:
very short or near to the skin
-
a close haircut/shave
13
:
fitting tightly
:
having no extra space
—
see also close-fitting
-
I think there's enough room in the car for all of us, but it'll be a close [=tight] fit.
14
:
warm in an uncomfortable way
:
not having enough fresh air
-
It's very close in here: let's open a window.
close to home
◊ If something is close to home, it affects you in a strong and personal way.
-
I'm a teacher, so their criticisms of our educational system hit close to home.
-
People are usually not concerned about crime until it comes close to home. [=until it affects them directly]
close to the bone
◊ If something is close to the bone, it is very honest and deals with sensitive issues that can shock people or hurt their feelings.
-
His joke about racism in America cut pretty close to the bone.
close to the edge
close to the mark
close to your chest
or US close to the vest
◊ If you hold, keep, or play something close to your chest or close to the vest, you do not tell other people about it.
-
It's better to hold such information close to the vest.
-
She tends to keep her opinions close to her chest.
— closely
adverb [more closely; most closely]-
Don't drive too closely behind the car in front of you.
-
The houses on our street are crowded very closely together.
-
She closely resembles her mother.
-
The suspects were watched closely by the police.
-
We've been studying their behavior very closely.
-
closely related family members
— closeness
noun [noncount]-
the closeness of the election results
-
the closeness felt by a parent and child
closer;
closest
closer;
closest
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLOSE
:
at or to a short distance or time away
-
Don't drive so close to the car in front of you.
-
He told me to stay/keep close as we walked through the crowd.
-
Come close, everyone.
-
Look close [=closely] and tell me what you see.
-
She drew me close (to her) and held me.
-
The time for a decision is drawing closer.
-
My teammate came in third, and I finished close behind.
-
They sat close together at the dinner table.
close at hand
:
near in time or place
-
I always keep a few tissues close at hand [=near me] just in case.
-
The time for us to leave was close at hand.
close by
:
at a short distance away
-
Don't worry: if anything happens I'll be (standing) close by (you).
-
They're building a school close by.
close on
British
:
almost or nearly
-
We walked for close on [=close to] five miles.
close to
1
:
almost or nearly
-
They spent close to half a million dollars on the project.
-
Our company employs close to a thousand workers.
-
I haven't seen her in close to a year.
-
I sat there for close to an hour.
2
British
:
from a short distance
-
She's even more beautiful when seen close to. [=close up]
close up
or up close
:
from a short distance
:
at close range
—
see also close-up
-
You have to look at the painting close up to really appreciate its detail.
-
It looks very different up close.
come close
1
:
to almost do something
— often + to
-
We didn't win, but we came close.
-
The band came very close to breaking up.
-
We came close to winning the championship this season.
2
:
to be similar to something or as good as expected
-
She said they taste just like real hot dogs, but they don't even come close (to the real thing).
cut it close
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLOSE
[singular]
formal
:
the end of an activity or a period of time
—
see also complimentary close
-
Students vote for their favorite teacher at the close of each year.
-
At the close of trading, the stock market was two percent lower than yesterday.
-
As the year drew to a close, the debate over the new project grew more intense.
-
The war finally appears to be coming to a close.
-
She brought the show to a close with a performance of her most famous song.
5
close
/ˈkloʊs/
noun
plural
closes
5
close
/ˈkloʊs/
noun
plural
closes
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLOSE
[count]
British
1
:
the area and buildings that are around a cathedral
2
:
a road that is closed at one end
— used in street names
-
Turn into Bloomhill Close.
