neighbor

[ ney-ber ]

noun

1. a person who lives near another:

   My next door neighbor has an orange cat.

2. a person or thing that is near another.
3. one's fellow human being:

   You must be generous toward your less fortunate neighbors.

4. a person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward others:

   She's always a neighbor to people in distress.

5. (used as a term of address, especially as a friendly greeting to a stranger):

   Tell me, neighbor, which way to town?

adjective

1. situated or living near another:

   One of our neighbor nations is in need of aid.

verb (used with object)

1. to live or be situated near to; adjoin; border on:

   Germany neighbors Denmark.

2. to place or bring near.

verb (used without object)

1. to live or be situated nearby.
2. to associate with or as if with one's neighbors; be neighborly or friendly (often followed by with ).

Other Word Forms

• neighbor·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neighbor¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English neahgebūr, nēahbūr ( nēah nigh + (ge)būr “farmer”; Boer, boor ); akin to Dutch nabuur, German Nachbar, Old Norse nābūi

Example Sentences

Most neighbors in the area said they had not seen Castillo when shown photos of her.

From Los Angeles Times

In a bright spot amid all the destruction, a neighbor saved the Petersons’ dog before the flames consumed their home, the lawsuit says.

From Los Angeles Times

“Here in California we have plenty of sunshine and a whole lot of love for our neighbors up north,” Newsom says in the video.

From Los Angeles Times

Though he lives just south of the Altadena border in Pasadena, his heart broke for his neighbors and friends, as well as for the community he admired.

From Los Angeles Times

One that would be unrecognizable to Jesus Christ, who called on his followers to love their neighbors and welcome the stranger.

From Salon

Related Words

• acquaintance
• friend