close quarters

plural noun

: immediate contact or close range
fought at close quarters

Examples of close quarters in a Sentence

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.
The bright lights, close quarters and constant chatter can make the experience overwhelming. Ashley Vega, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025 As Hugo points out to Jess later, the boat’s close quarters warp perspective. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025 Competitors must balance brute strength with political savvy, knowing when to make moves and when to lay low, all while living in close quarters with people actively plotting for their elimination. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 30 July 2025 The next day, officials reported the first positive case in the migrant shelter, where nearly 2,500 people lived in close quarters. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for close quarters

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close quarters was in 1809

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close quarters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20quarters. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!