close
verb
\ ˈklōz
\
\
closed;
closing
Definition of close
(Entry 1 of 6)
1a
: to move so as to bar passage through something
close the gate
b
: to block against entry or passage
close a street
c
: to deny access to
the city closed the beach
e
: to suspend or stop the operations of
close school
—often used with down They closed down the factory.
3a
: to bring to an end or period
close an account closed his football career with an outstanding big bowl performance Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was accidental.
b
: to conclude discussion or negotiation about
The question is closed.
also
: to consummate (see consummate entry 2 sense 2) by performing something previously agreed
close a transfer of real estate title
c
: to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
Remember to save the file before closing it.
4a
: to bring or bind together the parts or edges of
a closed book
b
: to fill up (something, such as an opening)
close the cracks with plaster of paris
c
: to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous
close a circuit
d
: to reduce to nil
closed the distance to the lead racer
1a
: to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening
the door closed quietly
b
: to cease operation
the factory closed down the stores close at 9 p.m.
2a
: to draw near
the ship was closing with the island
b
: to engage in a struggle at close quarters : grapple
close with the enemy
3a
: to come together : meet
The jaws of the vise closed.
b
: to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
4
: to enter into or complete an agreement
close on a deal
5
: to come to an end or period
the services closed with a short prayer
6
: to reduce a gap
closed to within two points
close one's doors
close one's eyes to
close ranks
close the door
1
: to refuse admission
the nation closed its doors to immigrants
2
: to go out of business
The furniture store closed its doors last week.
: to ignore deliberately
Officials closed their eyes to allegations of child abuse at the day care center.
: to unite in a concerted stand especially to meet a challenge
The family closed ranks to protect one of their own.
: to be uncompromisingly obstructive
closed the door to further negotiation
close
noun (1)
\ ˈklōz
\
\
Definition of close (Entry 2 of 6)
1a
: a coming or bringing to a conclusion
at the close of the party
b
: a conclusion or end in time or existence : cessation
the decade drew to a close
c
: the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
At the close of his speech, he thanked his supporters.
2
: the conclusion of a musical strain or period : cadence
Following the close of the symphony, the audience rose and applauded.
3
archaic
: a hostile encounter
4
: the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot
close
noun (2)
\ ˈklōs
, U.S. also ˈklōz
\
, U.S. also ˈklōz
\
Definition of close (Entry 3 of 6)
1a
: an enclosed area
2 chiefly British
a
: a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements
b
: a road closed at one end
close
adjective
\ ˈklōs
\
\
closer;
closest
Definition of close (Entry 4 of 6)
1
: having no openings : closed
2a
: confined or carefully guarded
close arrest close quarters
(2)
: formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
Italian has a close and an open e.
3
: restricted to a privileged class
a close scholarship
b
: secretive
she could tell us something if she would … but she was as close as wax— A. Conan Doyle
6
: hot and stuffy
a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
7
: not generous in giving or spending : tight
a close buyer and a good marketer— W. A. White
8
: having little space between items or units
a close weave a close grain
9a
: fitting tightly or exactly
a close fit
b
: very short or near to the surface
a close haircut
10
: being near in time, space, effect, or degree
at close range close to my birthday close to the speed of sound
11