proximity

noun

prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the quality or state of being proximate : closeness

Did you know?

You're So Close to Learning More About Proximity

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

the proximity of the curtains to the fireplace was a cause of concern for the safety inspector
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.
Cluster projectiles detonate based on a timer, not a proximity trigger. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Choose to settle in at Anse Sous-le-Vent, with proximity to hiking the green hills or lolling on the black sand beach with no shops or restaurants in sight. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 The proximity to repertory theater, the best video stores at the time. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 The Ford Peninsula was selected as a major community hub because of its close proximity to a ferry terminal, Highway 580, historic sites and the heavily frequented marina. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proximity 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitat-, proximitas, from proximus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near proximity

Cite this Entry

“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

proximity

noun
prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsim-ət-ē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the state or condition of being near : nearness

Legal Definition

proximity

noun
prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the quality or state of being proximate

More from Merriam-Webster on proximity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!