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.
Her hours used to be filled with calls, note-taking and lengthy card disclosures. — Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 After a lengthy investigation, law enforcement arrested Kirkman in November 2025 on murder charges. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026 The researchers also flagged concerns about lengthy data-retention periods, the handling of children’s data, and a lack of transparency in companies’ privacy policies. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 In one memorable scene, Mari takes to a whiteboard to explain the destructive workings of capitalism, a lengthy, potentially didactic exercise that Okamoto transforms into an unexpectedly intimate exchange. — Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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