close quarters

plural noun

ˈklōs- How to pronounce close quarters (audio)
: 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.
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 Were my tears simply the cumulative effect of relaxation, beauty, and time in unusually close quarters with strangers encouraged to be vulnerable? — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026 Amid noise, close quarters, and rigid routines, interactions become flash points. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026 One of the boys who watched his rise from close quarters was Sraman Nigrodh, a team-mate six years Sooryavanshi’s senior who trained alongside him. — Mohsin Kamal, New York Times, 25 June 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

Rhymes for close quarters

See All Rhymes for close quarters

Browse Nearby Words

close-quarter
close quarters
closer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close quarters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20quarters. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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