spitting distance

noun

informal
: a short distance
Our house is within spitting distance of the park.

Examples of spitting distance 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 New York Knicks overcame an early 14-point deficit to bring themselves within spitting distance of the San Antonio Spurs by the third period, the orange and blue squad only pulling ahead in the final minutes. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026 Maranello’s first hybrid, the Ferrari LaFerrari combines a 6.3-liter V-12 with an electric motor to put it within spitting distance of 1000 hp, all wrapped in exotic bodywork that looks straight out of a Marvel movie. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 28 May 2026 Like Engle, Moorehead lives within spitting distance of the data center site. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026 Stock futures are basically flat this morning as the S & P 500 sits within spitting distance of a new record close. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 Sure, there are countless wineries within spitting distance. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026 Chris Hemsworth, in one of his most layered roles, is Mike Davis, an elusive loner of a jewel thief who gets in and out of his targets, all within spitting distance of the 101, without getting caught and without hurting anyone. Cary Darling, Houston Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026 Both networks are using slightly different methodologies to get to their tallies, but the two shows are within spitting distance of each other, averaging around 16.5 million viewers depending on how many episodes are included in the mix. Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Dec. 2025 The Cowboys were literally within spitting distance of beating the Eagles in Philly. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spitting distance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spitting%20distance. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster