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

On Monday, a federal judge will hear closing arguments in the second major antitrust trial against Google — the one involving advertising technology — in the U.S.

From New York Times

Lawyers for the 50 other defendants will give their own closing arguments from next week.

From BBC

The day before the closing news dropped, Jake Shears, who composed the musical’s lyrics, celebrated how far “Tammy Faye” has come.

From Los Angeles Times

The closing credits of the film include the words "For Halyna."

From Salon

In their closing arguments, prosecutors outlined how evidence showed that Ibarra's DNA was found under the nails of Ms Riley, indicating that a struggle had ensued between them.

From BBC

Related Words

• closure
• completion
• conclusion
• termination