closing

noun

clos·​ing ˈklō-ziŋ How to pronounce closing (audio)
1
: a concluding part (as of a speech)
2
: a closable gap (as in an article of clothing)
3
: a meeting of parties to a real-estate deal for formally transferring title

Examples of closing in a Sentence

the closing of the local school We met with our lawyer before the closing on our new house.
Recent Examples on the Web This influence was brought up at sentencing by Clarence Darrow, the pair’s legendary defense attorney, whose hours-long closing argument was considered key to avoiding the death penalty. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 Rather than have potential days-long gaps between closing arguments and jury deliberations, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed the jury until after Memorial Day. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for closing 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'closing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of closing was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near closing

Cite this Entry

“Closing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closing. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

closing

noun
clos·​ing ˈklō-ziŋ How to pronounce closing (audio)
: a concluding part

Legal Definition

closing

noun
clos·​ing ˈklō-ziŋ How to pronounce closing (audio)
: the fulfillment or performance of a contract especially for the sale of real estate
also : a meeting at which the closing of a contract takes place
represented us at the closing

Note: At the closing for the completion of the sale of real property, the purchase price is paid and title is transferred to the purchaser or mortgagor.

More from Merriam-Webster on closing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!