lengthen
verb
length·en
ˈleŋ(k)-thən 
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə-
ˈlen(t)-
: to make longer
: to grow longer
Examples of lengthen in a Sentence
The days lengthened with the approach of spring.
Proper care will lengthen the life of the engine.
lengthen a pair of trousers
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of the sourdough breads on store shelves, however, include various other ingredients, most commonly yeast to speed up the rise and vinegar or lactic acid to boost sour flavor and also to stabilize the dough and lengthen its shelf life.
—
Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
These genes influence how quickly bones lengthen, how long each finger becomes, and how the joints and tendons are shaped.
—
Steven Lautzenheiser,
The Conversation,
6 July 2026
For greater tensile strength, the Bluesign partner is using looms from Muller and Kyang Yhe to create webbing with an even density that lessens the amount the material lengthens when under tension.
—
Sarah Jones,
Footwear News,
6 July 2026
During male puberty, rising testosterone drives the cartilage to grow forward and meet at a sharper angle, while simultaneously lengthening the vocal folds and vocal tract housed just behind it.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for lengthen
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Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
These genes influence how quickly bones lengthen, how long each finger becomes, and how the joints and tendons are shaped.
—
Steven Lautzenheiser,
The Conversation,
6 July 2026
For greater tensile strength, the Bluesign partner is using looms from Muller and Kyang Yhe to create webbing with an even density that lessens the amount the material lengthens when under tension.
—
Sarah Jones,
Footwear News,
6 July 2026
During male puberty, rising testosterone drives the cartilage to grow forward and meet at a sharper angle, while simultaneously lengthening the vocal folds and vocal tract housed just behind it.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for lengthen
Cite this Entry
“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lengthen
verb
length·en
ˈleŋ(k)-thən
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ
ˈlen(t)th-
: to make or become longer
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