lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
1
: protracted excessively : overlong
2
lengthily adverb
lengthiness noun

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.
His most recent arrest adds to a lengthy list of incidents that have overshadowed an otherwise accomplished career on the gridiron. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025 Hough went into greater detail in a lengthy caption accompanying the video, thanking Dr. Carolyn Alexander and her team at Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, which specializes in fertility care and helping to create families, according to its website. Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 8 June 2025 Dated September 13, 2015, the lengthy exchange seems to follow the aftermath of a fight between Combs and Ventura. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2025 Women now may face lengthy prison sentences for decades-old chapters of their pasts. Ryan Mac Natasha Singer Alyce McFadden Jiawei Wang, New York Times, 8 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lengthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthy. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

lengthy

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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