long-lost

adjective

: lost a long time ago : not seen or found for many years
a long-lost masterpiece that has recently been rediscovered
He embraced his old friend like a long-lost brother.

Examples of long-lost 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.
Many were mesmerized by its musky, skin-like profile, which reminded them of a long-lost loved one. Venus Wong, Refinery29, 8 Aug. 2025 For most of us, this means putting away the outerwear and thermal layers and returning to our long-lost—but no less beloved—statement tees, day dresses, and sandals. Charlie Teather, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2024 Jefferson alumni Ed Garza ’86 and David Segura ’67 helped narrow it down to the early-to-mid 1930s, given the presence of three frog water spouts – later long-lost – and the absence of a surrounding fish pond installed a few years later. Paula Allen, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!