walking-distance

IPA/ˈwɔː.kɪŋ ˌdɪs.təns/
IPA/ˈwɑː.kɪŋ ˌdɪs.təns/

walking-distance — noun

1. the number of metres or minutes separating two places, when that amount is short

1.nounB1
Definition

the number of metres or minutes separating two places, when that amount is short enough that a person can easily travel between them on foot without needing any vehicle

Example

The train station is only a short walking distance from Élise's apartment.

collocation: short walking distance

From the hotel, the beach is a pleasant walking distance of about ten minutes.

walking distance of [time measurement]

Common collocations
  • short walking distance
  • pleasant walking distance
  • reasonable walking distance
  • walking distance from
  • walking distance of
Synonyms
  • walkable distance

    less common; describes the same concept but emphasises the ease of walking rather than the measurement

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

a [adjective] walking distance

walking distance from [place]

Usage Note

Can be modified by adjectives such as 'short' or 'pleasant'. Often followed by 'from' or 'of' to indicate start or destination.

Common Mistakes

The supermarket is walking distance from here.
The supermarket is a short walking distance from here.
An article or adjective is needed before 'walking distance' when it refers to a measurable span.

2. the state of being located so near to a place that a person can get there by wal

2.nounB1
Definition

the state of being located so near to a place that a person can get there by walking instead of using a car, bus, or other transport

Example

Defne chose the flat because it was within walking distance of her office.

fixed phrase: within walking distance of [place]

All the main museums in the city centre are within walking distance of one another.

Common collocations
  • within walking distance
  • within walking distance of
  • within easy walking distance
Synonyms
  • walkable

    adjective form used to describe a place: 'a walkable neighbourhood'

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

within walking distance of [place]

within walking distance

Usage Note

Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'within walking distance (of something)'. The expression describes a convenience or advantage of a location's proximity.

Common Mistakes

The park is walking distance of my house.
The park is within walking distance of my house.
The preposition 'within' is required to express the idea of being close enough to walk.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

'Within walking distance' emphasises convenience of location — a place is near enough that walking is a practical option. 'Walkable' (adjective) focuses on the route or neighbourhood: a walkable area has pavements, pedestrian crossings, and is pleasant to walk through. A street may be walkable even if your destination is not within walking distance from your starting point. 'A short walk away' is more informal and simply states the time or effort required, without the suggestion of being a deliberate advantage. For example: 'The library is within walking distance of the school' (location advantage) vs 'The route is walkable' (path quality) vs 'The library is just a short walk away' (simple factual statement).

within walking distancewalkable ↗a short walk away

Common collocations

Nouns

  • walking distance of the station
  • walking distance of the shops
  • walking distance of the city centre

Adverbs

  • easily within walking distance
  • well within walking distance

Phrases

  • within easy walking distance
  • a short walking distance away
  • within walking distance of each other

Prepositions

  • within walking distance of
  • walking distance from

Etymology

Old EnglishLatinEnglish

Formed by combining the noun 'walking' (from the verb 'walk', which comes from Old English 'wealcan' meaning 'to roll, toss') with 'distance' (from Latin 'distantia', meaning 'a standing apart'). The compound expression 'walking distance' first appeared in the mid-1800s as cities grew and people began measuring proximity by foot travel.