nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by nir-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈnir-ˌbī
Synonyms of nearbynext
: close at hand

Synonyms

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Examples of nearby in a Sentence

grabbed the nearby quilt and gently laid it over the sleeping child I'll be nearby if you need anything
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Oscar-winning actor was found in a mudroom with a cane and sunglasses nearby. — Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025 Beck, who is nearby but doesn’t see any of this transpire (other than the explosion from a distance) promotes Reacher to his #2 spot. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 My son’s therapists often had them nearby at every appointment. — Katrina Cossey, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025 Another Central Texas float option nearby is down the Comal River with Texas Tubes or Comal Tubes. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nearby

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nearby was in the 15th century

Rhymes for nearby

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Browse Nearby Words

nearby
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Cite this Entry

“Nearby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nearby. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

nearby

adverb or adjective
near·​by ni(ə)r-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈni(ə)r-ˌbī
: close at hand

More from Merriam-Webster on nearby

Nglish: Translation of nearby for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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