neighbor

/ˈneɪbɚ/
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A nearby person, place, or thing, or the relationship of being situated close by.

Examples

  • Our neighbor brought us some soup.
  • I asked my neighbor to collect the mail.
  • The new apartments neighbor an older industrial area.
  • Several small towns neighbor the national forest.
  • Our garden neighbors the school playground.

Similar words

next-door neighbor
resident
border
flank
local
neighbour
adjoin
abut
surround

Meanings

Someone or something nearby

noun
social
neutral
A person who lives near you, or a person, place, or thing positioned close to another.

Examples

  • Our neighbor brought us some soup.
  • I asked my neighbor to collect the mail.
  • She knows every neighbor on the street.
  • Canada is the United States' northern neighbor.
  • At dinner, I spoke to the neighbor on my left.
  • The café and its neighbor share a small courtyard.

Similar words

Be next to or near

verb
places
neutral
To be situated next to or close to a person, place, or thing.

Examples

  • The farm neighbors a small park.
  • Our garden neighbors the school playground.
  • Several small towns neighbor the national forest.
  • The new apartments neighbor an older industrial area.
  • Wetlands neighbor the river on both sides.
  • The two districts neighbor each other but feel very different.

Similar words

Etymology

From Middle English neighebour, from Old English nēahgebūr, literally a nearby dweller, formed from words meaning “near” and “dweller.” The American spelling neighbor later dropped the letter u.

FAQ

What does neighbor mean?

A neighbor is usually someone who lives nearby, but it can also be a nearby place or thing.

What is the difference between neighbor and neighbour?

They are the same word. Neighbor is the usual American spelling, while neighbour is used in British English and many other varieties.

Can neighbor refer to a country?

Yes. A country that shares a border or lies nearby can be called a neighbor.

Can neighbor be a verb?

Yes. Places neighbor one another when they are situated next to or near each other.

Does a neighbor have to live next door?

No. A neighbor may live next door or simply somewhere nearby.

What is a next-door neighbor?

A next-door neighbor is a person who lives in the home directly beside yours.

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