close by adjective 1adverb 1preposition 1forms 2 adjective1 •Close, near, nearby: in proximity (to).The close-by family members tried to help. adverb1 •Close, near, nearby: in proximity (to).There isn't any good source of water close by.He waited close by to the store. preposition1 •Close, near, nearby: in proximity (to).She lives close by us. formsmore close by · most close by