social distancing
noun
medical
: the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical distance (such as six feet or more) from other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection : physical distancing
San Francisco issued recommendations for social distancing on Friday, advising residents to stay home as much as possible and avoid congregating in large groups.—
Taryn Luna and Melody Gutierrez
Taryn Luna and Melody GutierrezUnder a new "social distancing" strategy, handshaking could be discouraged, with other, less tactile forms of greeting taking its place.—Rosa Silverman
Rosa SilvermanThe term social distancing may be foreign to some, but the concept is one often practiced during the flu season, said Dora Anne Mills, the state's former top health official and currently chief health improvement officer for MaineHealth.—Gillian Graham
Gillian GrahamExamples of social distancing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
A week before the tournament began Marion County Public Health Department officials and Mayor Joe Hogsett asked attendees to make smart public health choices, such as social distancing and obeying the face masks mandate.
—Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 27 Mar. 2026
Almost overnight, the COVID lockdown went into effect, triggering isolation of the elderly, drive-through testing sites and social distancing in public places.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Camp Sarika, Habitas, and Banyan Tree opened sequentially from 2020-2022 during the pandemic, as travelers around the world sought outdoor retreats that allowed for social distancing.
—Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The backstory Under Canvas made a name for itself during the pandemic thanks to its ability to create upscale camping experiences that provided equal doses of fresh air and community during a time of social distancing.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
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Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 27 Mar. 2026
Almost overnight, the COVID lockdown went into effect, triggering isolation of the elderly, drive-through testing sites and social distancing in public places.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Camp Sarika, Habitas, and Banyan Tree opened sequentially from 2020-2022 during the pandemic, as travelers around the world sought outdoor retreats that allowed for social distancing.
—Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The backstory Under Canvas made a name for itself during the pandemic thanks to its ability to create upscale camping experiences that provided equal doses of fresh air and community during a time of social distancing.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for social distancing
Cite this Entry
“Social distancing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20distancing. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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