close quarters

plural noun

: immediate contact or close range
fought at close quarters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And illness spreads quickly in such close quarters. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Dec. 2022 On top of the close quarters, keep in mind that a duplex means twice the amount of upkeep. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2022 Fascination with Ward’s physical features led one fan to observe that his circle of chin whiskers could be seen only at close quarters. R.j.m. Blackett, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2023 The pandemic hammered cruise lines due to lockdowns and fears of being stuck in close quarters with thousands of other people. Q.ai - Powering A Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2023 Philip’s master plan rested on the belief that his ships must avoid an artillery duel with the enemy and instead discharge their heavy guns at close quarters before grappling and boarding—a scenario in which, the authors suggest, the Armada’s seasoned shock troops would surely prevail. Stephen Brumwell, WSJ, 27 Jan. 2023 The risk is particularly high on small ships or submarines where service members are jammed into close quarters for weeks or months at a time, or on critical combat missions, such as those involving special operations forces that deploy in small teams. Bloomberg.com, 10 Jan. 2023 Victims are often hesitant to come forward in the immediate aftermath of a crime, while still working in close quarters with their attackers. Blake Ellis, CNN, 16 Mar. 2023 Sales were buoyed by a series of big acquisitions and a surge in popularity for rental homes during the pandemic, when more elaborate destinations were inaccessible and when travelers were shunning close quarters in hotels. Mike Rogoway | Mrogoway@oregonian.com, oregonlive, 14 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'close quarters.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near close quarters

Cite this Entry

“Close quarters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20quarters. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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