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close-up

1 of 2

noun

1
: a photograph or movie shot taken at close range
2
: an intimate view or examination of something

close-up

2 of 2

adverb or adjective

: at close range

Synonyms of close-up

Examples of close-up in a Sentence

Adverb or adjective come over here and get a close-up view of the painting
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Hailey also shared a close-up of her outfit, with the skincare mogul sporting a black leather backless top featuring tassels and a pair of black pants. Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025 There are two scenes that show the transformation of main characters into the Tin Man and the Scarecrow, and while the more harrowing stuff is seen in flashes or close-ups, there’s still some unnerving body horror that could give tykes nightmares. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
Adverb or adjective
The first glimpse was a close-up shot of the tats, while the second showed the tattoo artist and Damon smiling post-ink session. Tracey Harrington McCoy, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2023 She’s introduced in motion and in close-up, during a hallway scuffle shot in a documentary-like style with handheld camera, available light and jumpy editing. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for close-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb Or Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close-up was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close-up. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

close-up

noun
ˈklōs-ˌəp
: a photograph or movie shot taken at close range

More from Merriam-Webster on close-up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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