the extent or amount of space between two things, points, lines, etc.

the state or fact of being apart in space, as of one thing from another; remoteness.

a linear extent of space

Seven miles is a distance too great to walk in an hour.

an expanse; area

A vast distance of water surrounded the ship.

the interval between two points of time; an extent of time

His vacation period was a good distance away.

remoteness or difference in any respect

Our philosophies are a long distance apart.

an amount of progress

We've come a long distance on the project.

a distant point, place, or region.

the distant part of a field of view

a tree in the distance.

absence of warmth; reserve

Their first meeting in several years was hampered by a certain distance between them.

Music . interval ( def. 6 ) .

aesthetic distance.

Horse Racing . (in a heat race) the space measured back from the winning post that a horse must reach by the time the winner passes the winning post or be eliminated from subsequent heats.

Mathematics . the greatest lower bound of differences between points, one from each of two given sets.

Obsolete . disagreement or dissension; a quarrel.

to leave behind at a distance, as at a race; surpass.

to place at a distance.

to cause to appear distant. ?

go the distance

(in horse racing) to be able to run well in a long race.

Informal . to finish or complete something, esp. something difficult, challenging, or requiring sustained effort.

keep at a distance

to treat coldly or in an unfriendly manner.

keep one's distance

to avoid becoming familiar or involved; remain cool or aloof.