personal space

American  

noun

1. the variable and subjective distance at which one person feels comfortable talking to another.

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Example Sentences

At the time, Lord Rennard apologised if he had "inadvertently encroached" upon "personal space".

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

In a hybrid-work world, the office should be a place that enhances productivity and restoring a sense of personal space would help achieve that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

For some, withdrawing into a small personal space and lowering expectations seems like a rational, even self-protective, response.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

“Carving out personal space promotes a sense of agency,” Tovar says, “and provides you refuge if you need to get away from the crowd.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

It's customary for Iranians to greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks, but American six-year-olds thought no one had taught me about "personal space."

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi