middle distance

American  

noun

1. Also called middle plane.  Also called middle ground.  Fine Arts. the represented space between the foreground and background in paintings, drawings, etc.

2. (in track) a race distance ranging from 400 meters or 440 yards to 1 mile.

---

middle-distance British  

adjective

1. athletics relating to or denoting races of a length between the sprints and the distance events, esp the 800 metres and the 1500 metres

---

noun

1. Also called: middle ground.  part of a painting, esp a landscape between the foreground and far distance

Etymology

Origin of middle distance

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

These were visible signs that 'The Real Deal' was making a dent - his speed was hugely effective as he was first to land when they were at middle distance.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

“To see this entire world, do this literally: Mold the play into a medium-sized ball, set it before you in the middle distance, and squint your eyes,” she wrote.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2024

Their mothers sit silently at their beds, staring into the middle distance, clutching their infants to their breast, hoping what milk they have can deliver the salvation for which they yearn.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

He stared into the middle distance and scrolled through his phone.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 26, 2023

It had been taken at night under a full moon, and it showed a wooden hut in the middle distance, its walls dark against the snow that surrounded it and lay thickly on the roof.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman