proximity

noun

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

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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.
When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025 That’s life, and that something that also drove our artistic choices to a heartwarming visual style, retaining proximity with our main character throughout her ups and downs that also manifest in the film’s palette. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 June 2025 The Miami Herald reported in January that FAU in Palm Beach County was considered the Trump favorite, with FIU hoping to convince the president’s camp that Miami-Dade County’s global appeal, proximity to the Trump Doral resort and newly red politics made FIU the better pick. Douglas Hanks, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025 Each year, June's full moon treads a predictably low path across the spring sky due to its close proximity to the summer solstice — the time of the year when the sun is at its highest. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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

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