Definition

A person or thing that closes something, often used in baseball to refer to a relief pitcher who finishes a game by securing a win.

Example

The closer came in during the ninth inning to secure the team's victory.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

Yeah, our team had a great win thanks to the closer.

I know! He really shut down the other team in the final inning.

Absolutely, without him, we might have lost.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Closer → It is formed from "close" (from Old English "clōsan", meaning to shut or to bring together) and the comparative suffix "-er" (meaning more). The word "closer" means more shut or nearer in distance or relationship.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'more shut' or 'nearer' — 'close' means to shut or bring together, and '-er' indicates a comparison.

Visually Confused Words