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

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
This cap provides hands-free visibility in the dark thanks to its ultra-bright dual-action LED system, featuring four LEDs that offer both close-up and distance lighting, allowing dad to see up to 42 feet ahead. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025 Though television squashed the production into two dimensions, the broadcast nevertheless felt real and exciting; director David Comer let the camera play on the players, rather than trying for a cinematic effect through an excess of close-ups and cutaways. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 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

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb Or Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close-up was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close-up. Accessed 12 Jun. 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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