neighbor
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈeɪbə/
US
- /ˈneɪbər/
Description
- Person living nearby
- Person next door
- Member of the local community
- Someone close by
A neighbor is usually someone who lives near you, such as next door, across the street, or in the same building or area. The word often brings to mind everyday life: saying hello, keeping the noise down, lending a hand, or watching a house while someone is away.
Being a good neighbor often means being kind, respectful, and helpful. Some people become close friends with the people nearby, while others simply share a friendly wave now and then. The phrase "love thy neighbor" also gives the word a wider, moral sense, pointing to kindness toward the people around us.
The word "neighbor" most often refers to a person who lives near you, usually in the same neighborhood, on the same street, or in the same building. It is a simple, everyday word tied to place and community. A neighbor may be the person next door, the family across the hall, or someone a few houses away. The relationship can be close and warm, or it can be limited to brief, polite contact.
In daily life, the word often appears in small social moments. You might borrow a tool from a neighbor, bring in their mail, help clear snow, or greet them on your way home. Because of this, the idea of a "good neighbor" is strongly linked with respect, kindness, and basic care for others nearby.
The word can also be used more broadly. Places that are next to each other, such as two countries that share a border, are often called neighbors. In older or more moral language, especially in the phrase "love thy neighbor," it can mean other people in general, especially those around you who may need care, fairness, or understanding. At its heart, the word suggests closeness, shared space, and the human side of living near others.
Examples
- 1
Everyday help
I asked my neighbor to water the plants while I was away.
- 2
Next-door home
Our next-door neighbor has a dog that barks at night.
- 3
Apartment noise
The neighbors upstairs were playing music until midnight.
- 4
Social visit
We invited a few neighbors over for coffee after we moved in.
- 5
Considerate behavior
Try to be a good neighbor and keep the shared hallway clean.
Meaning
a good neighbor
someone who is considerate toward people nearby
- 6
Geography
Canada is the United States' neighbor to the north.
Pattern
neighbor to the north
a country or place directly north of another one
- 7
Space
Mars is one of Earth's nearest neighbors in space.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- neighbornounverb
Forms
- neighborspluralnounverb
- neighboring-ing formverbnoun
- neighboredpast tenseverbnoun