nearby

adverb or adjective

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

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 San Juan Center also has plans for more apartments on the site of a former convenience store nearby. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 Videos shared on social media show the elephant ramming its tusks into the sides of cars as residents watched helplessly nearby. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026 If everyone succeeded, the box got shorter for the next round, while the other participants hovered nearby to catch anyone who wobbled. Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 3 May 2026 Scott recalled sitting in the waiting room and spotting a producer from the earlier film nearby, prompting him to try to avoid being recognized. Kennedy French, Variety, 2 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nearby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nearby. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

nearby

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

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