variants or less commonly decadelong
: lasting or occurring over a decade or about a decade
A decade-long drought in Saskatchewan and Alberta nesting areas has cut sharply into the number of birds migrating into Idaho …—Dan Knauss
The renegade gene that causes Huntington's disease has been found after a decade-long search …—Daniel Q. Haney

Examples of decade-long in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The talks could lead to decade-long energy partnerships, giving Moscow an opportunity to extend its influence in Africa as China and Western countries pursue nuclear deals of their own. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026 In the aftermath of the 2001 terror attack on the World Trade Center, Hellerstein presided over dozens of wrongful death, injury and property damage lawsuits — a two-decade-long effort that shaped his legacy on the bench. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 The film’s decade-long development has also led Mustapha to reflect on how independent films are made in Egypt and the region. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 The loss ends a stellar, almost two-decade-long track record of missions ending when expected, not before. — Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decade-long

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decade-long was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decade-long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decade-long. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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