closer Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a person who closes something
   
   • whoever is the closer has to turn out the lights and lock up
2. noun (baseball) a relief pitcher who can protect a lead in the last inning or two of the game
   finisher.
   
3. adjective at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
   close.
   
   • close to noon
   • how close are we to town?
   • a close formation of ships
4. adjective close in relevance or relationship
   close.
   
   • a close family
   • we are all...in close sympathy with...
   • close kin
   • a close resemblance
5. adjective not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
   close; near; nigh.
   
   • near neighbors
   • in the near future
   • they are near equals
   • his nearest approach to success
   • a very near thing
   • a near hit by the bomb
   • she was near tears
   • she was close to tears
   • had a close call
6. adjective satellite rigorously attentive; strict and thorough
   close.
   
   • close supervision
   • paid close attention
   • a close study
   • kept a close watch on expenditures
7. adjective satellite marked by fidelity to an original
   close; faithful.
   
   • a close translation
   • a faithful copy of the portrait
   • a faithful rendering of the observed facts
8. adjective satellite (of a contest or contestants) evenly matched
   close; tight.
   
   • a close contest
   • a close election
   • a tight game
9. adjective satellite crowded
   close; confining.
   
   • close quarters
10. adjective satellite lacking fresh air
    airless; close; unaired; stuffy.
    
    • a dusty airless attic
    • the dreadfully close atmosphere
    • hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
11. adjective satellite of textiles
    close; tight.
    
    • a close weave
    • smooth percale with a very tight weave
12. adjective satellite strictly confined or guarded
    close.
    
    • kept under close custody
13. adjective satellite confined to specific persons
    close.
    
    • a close secret
14. adjective satellite fitting closely but comfortably
    close; snug; close-fitting.
    
    • a close fit
15. adjective satellite used of hair or haircuts
    close.
    
    • a close military haircut
16. adjective satellite giving or spending with reluctance
    close; near; skinny; cheeseparing; penny-pinching.
    
    • our cheeseparing administration
    • very close (or near) with his money
    • a penny-pinching miserly old man
17. adjective satellite inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information
    close; tightlipped; closelipped; closemouthed; secretive.
    
    • although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
18. adverb (comparative of `near' or `close') within a shorter distance
    nearer; nigher.
    
    • come closer, my dear!
    • they drew nearer
    • getting nearer to the true explanation

WordNet