close by
idiom
: at a short distance away
Don't worry: if anything happens I'll be (standing) close by.
They're building a school close by.
Examples of close by in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Keep your favorite books, journals, and crafts close by in your office, or add this wood display shelf to show off your book collection in your living room or bedroom.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
Sometimes an item grabs your attention from across the aisle—but try to keep your shopping cart or basket close by.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
Not having friends and family close by has been disorienting.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Marion allowed West Memphis to stay close by making just 1 of its final 7 free throws down the stretch.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Close by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20by. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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