distance

noun

dis·tance | \ ˈdi-stən(t)s

Definition of distance

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 obsolete : discord

2a : separation (see separation sense 2b) in time spanning the distance of several centuries

b mathematics : the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects

c(1) mathematics : an extent of area or an advance (see advance entry 2 sense 1) along a route measured in a straight line measure the distance between point A and point B the distance between the Earth and the Sun

(2) : an extent of space measured other than linearly within walking distance

d : an extent of advance from a beginning they carried Puritan severity quite a distance— John Gould

e : expanse A distance of field, woods, and diluted November sky …— Elizabeth Bowen

f(1) : length of a race or contest won both the 400 meter and the 800 meter distances

(2) : the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game)

(3) : a long race distance training

3 : the quality or state of being distant: such as

a : spatial remoteness quite a distance between the two hospitals

b : personal and especially emotional separation feels a distance from her brother that wasn't there before also : reserve, coldness

c : difference, disparity the distance between the two philosophies

4 : a distant point or region gazed out into the distance

5a fine arts : aesthetic distance

b : capacity to observe dispassionately

go the distance or less commonly last the distance

: to complete a course of action

distance

verb

distanced; distancing

Definition of distance (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to make or maintain a personal or emotional separation from : to place or keep at a distance able to distance themselves from the tragedy distances herself from her coworkers

2 : to leave far behind : outstrip easily distanced the other candidates in the race

distance

adjective

Definition of distance (Entry 3 of 3)

: taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students who are not together in a classroom distance learning distance education

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about distance

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Examples of distance in a Sentence

Noun

What is the distance between the Earth and the Sun? The gas station is a short distance away.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Also important to the exterior look: a new window here, and no window there, plus the proper landscaping and removal of a low wall that had been installed to keep fans at a distance. — Los Angeles Times, "The 7 very groovy highlights from ‘A Very Brady Renovation’," 9 Sep. 2019 This is why the best work BFF may exist at some distance from your day to day. — Cate Huston, Quartz at Work, "Every manager needs the magic of a work BFF," 6 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for distance

Noun

see distant

Verb

see distant

Adjective

see distant

Keep scr

distance

Definition of distance

Synonyms for distance

Examples of distance in a Sentence

First Known Use of distance

History and Etymology for distance

distance

Definition of distance

Synonyms for distance

Examples of distance in a Sentence

First Known Use of distance

History and Etymology for distance

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