social distancing

American  

[soh-shuhl dis-tuhn-sing] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl ˈdɪs tən sɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of maintaining a safe or appropriate physical distance from other people, or the measures taken to reduce close physical contact, especially to slow the spread of a contagious illness or disease.

   Health officials are recommending some kinds of social distancing, such as working from home and avoiding handshakes.

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Other Word Forms

• social distance
  verb (used with or without object)
• social-distance
  verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of social distancing

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

social distancing

Much like COVID-era social distancing rules, this will lower the risk of H5N1 transmission by keeping birds separate.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026

During the 2021 season, NFL players who had not received a COVID-19 vaccination were subject to daily tests for the virus and restrictions, such as wearing masks inside team facilities and practicing social distancing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

Another passenger said the cruise staff had asked those on board to maintain social distancing, wear masks inside and sanitise hands frequently.

From BBC ● May 5, 2026

Who wants to remember social distancing and N-95 masks?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 2026

Jerry furloughed all his employees and shut down for three months, until the theater was allowed to reopen with strict social distancing rules in place.

From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2025