close-in

1 of 2

adjective

ˈklōs-ˈin

: near a center of activity and especially a city

close-in suburbs

: occurring or designed for use within a narrowly limited area

close-in fighting

close-in weapons

close in

2 of 2

verb

ˈklōz-

closed in; closing in; closes in

transitive verb

: to encircle closely and isolate

: to enshroud to such an extent as to preclude entrance or exit

the airport was closed in by the storm

intransitive verb

: to gather in close all around with an oppressing or isolating effect

despair closed in on her

: to approach to close quarters especially for an attack, raid, or arrest

the police closed in

: to grow dark

the short November day was already closing in

Ellen Glasgow

Example Sentences

Verb the eagle closed in on its prey with evening closing in we knew we had to find shelter fairly soon

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of close-in was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Close-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close-in. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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Kids Definition

close in

verb

(ˈ)klō-ˈzin

: to gather in close all around with an oppressing effect

despair closed in on her

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close-in

adjective

verb

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near close-in

Cite this Entry