lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
Synonyms of lengthynext
1
: protracted excessively : overlong
2
: extended, long
lengthily
ˈleŋ(k)-thə-lē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
adverb
lengthiness
ˈleŋ(k)-thē-nəs How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
noun

Synonyms of lengthy

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Examples of lengthy in a Sentence

The process is both lengthy and costly. a series of lengthy delays Lengthier trips require more planning.
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.
This kicks off a lengthy discourse about favorite fishing holes, epic hatches, and the head-scratching days where the fish seem to win. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 Robinson, despite a lengthy injury history, is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. — Jay King, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Border officers have broad discretion, and retirees who spend lengthy periods in the country can face additional questioning. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The decision will be a relief for Anthropic and its investors, and for many people who were hoping to use Fable, which can carry out lengthy tasks autonomously. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lengthy

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lengthy was in 1689

Browse Nearby Words

lengthwise
lengthy
Lengua
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lengthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lengthy

adjective
ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
: very long
lengthily
-thə-lē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
adverb
lengthiness
-thē-nəs How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthy

Nglish: Translation of lengthy for Spanish Speakers

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