adj. 1 a far away in space or time. b (usu. predic.; often foll. by from) at a specified distance (three miles distant from them). 2 remote or far apart in position, time, resemblance, etc. (a distant prospect; a distant relation; a distant likeness). 3 not intimate; reserved; cool (a distant bow). 4 remote; abstracted (a distant stare). 5 faint, vague (he was a distant memory to her). distant early warning US a radar system for the early detection of a missile attack. distant signal Railways a railway signal preceding a home signal to give warning. distantly adv.
[ ME f. OF distant or L distant- part. stem of distare: see DISTANCE ]