closing

[ kloh-zing ]

noun

1. the end or conclusion, as of a speech.
2. something that closes; a fastening, as of a purse.
3. the final phase of a transaction, especially the meeting at which procedures are carried out in the execution of a contract for the sale of real estate.
4. an act or instance of failing or going bankrupt:

   an increase in bank closings.

5. complimentary close.

adjective

1. concluding; ending; final.

closing

1. Usually applied to real estate transactions, it refers to delivery of the deed of ownership from the owner to the buyer in return for full payment.

Other Words From

• half-closing adjective
• self-closing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of closing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; close, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

To avoid being eaten, the mollusk hides with its transparent body and makes a quick escape by quickly closing its oral hood, similar to the movements of a jellyfish.

From Los Angeles Times

Now staff remove all the Harris Tweed handbags from the shop windows before closing.

From BBC

In comments prior to the speech, McDonnell expressed dismay at retailers closing stores in low-income areas, exacerbating food deserts.

From Los Angeles Times

"Closing school is always last resort, but in this instance, it is the only option", it said.

From BBC

X, formerly known as Twitter, is closing its headquarters in San Francisco and moving some of its San Francisco employees to San José and Palo Alto.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• closure
• completion
• conclusion
• termination