What does neighbour mean?
A neighbour is someone who lives nearby, especially in the house or apartment immediately next door. The word can also refer more broadly to a nearby person, place, or thing, as in “a neighbour of Canada,” meaning a country sharing a border with Canada. In formal and geographical writing, “neighbour” can be used as a verb to describe adjacency: one region neighbours another. The term often carries a social implication, since it is associated with nearby residents and the everyday relationships of a community. “Our neighbour” usually means a person living next door, while “a neighbouring country” or “a neighbouring town” describes something close in location. British English generally uses “neighbour,” whereas American English uses “neighbor.” The word is also useful in figurative expressions involving countries, communities, or institutions that stand close to one another.
A person who lives in the house, apartment, or place next to or near another person; more broadly, a person or thing that is nearby or adjacent.
"The neighbours on either side joined us for the street party."
In everyday British usage, this most often means a person living in an adjoining house or nearby home. In American English, the usual spelling is “neighbor.”
To be situated next to or near another person, place, or thing.
"The reserve neighbours several large national parks."
This use is most common in formal or geographical contexts, especially when discussing adjacent countries, regions, or towns.
The plural refers to two or more nearby people, places, or things; “neighbours” is especially common for residents living next door.
"The neighbours were invited to the opening."
A neighbour began as a “near dwelling”: the word has always described the person—or place—closest to home.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of neighbour
The word comes from Old English nēahbūr, a compound meaning “near dwelling,” formed from nēah, meaning “near,” and būr, meaning “dwelling.” The Old English form developed through Middle English into modern “neighbour,” with “neighbor” becoming the standard American spelling. Related forms include “neighbourhood,” “neighboring,” and “neighbourly,” reflecting the same historical idea of proximity and adjacency.
Related word forms
How neighbour is actually used
“Neighbour” is the usual spelling in British English and other varieties that follow British conventions; American English normally uses “neighbor.” As a verb, it is somewhat formal and is most common in geographical descriptions such as “neighbouring countries” or “neighbouring towns.”
Easily confused with neighbour
“Neighbour” is the standard British spelling, while “neighbor” is the standard American spelling; the words have the same meanings in English.