proximity
noun
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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
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
But three is Venus’s proximity to Earth.
—Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Speculation has swirled around the 49ers’ practice facilities and their proximity to an electrical substation.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
This ski season, Red Ledges residents have more opportunities to enjoy themselves, thanks to the community’s proximity to Deer Valley’s® new East Village.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proximity
Cite this Entry
“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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proximity
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