: 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.
Songs from Darling Blue and No Room For Blue took on an even greater intimacy in Dreamland’s close quarters, where every lyric and guitar phrase landed with remarkable clarity. — John D. Luerssen, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026 The close quarters on planes and variable public views on appropriate flight etiquette are a recipe for tension. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 But the close quarters and intimate relationships mean that personal problems immediately become group issues and, as sitcoms go, quickly spiral out of control. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 Fitzpatrick said because the chihuahuas have lived in close quarters together, many of them will do well in an environment with other pets. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close quarters

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close quarters was in 1686

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Cite this Entry

“Close quarters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20quarters. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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