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.
While Trump aims to bring those supply chains onto American shores, the pandemic showed how disruptions and lengthy adjustments can produce more persistent inflation pressure. Howard Schneider, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Republicans rebuffed more than two dozen Democratic amendments during the all-night vote-a-rama, a lengthy amendment process that's part of Senate procedure for reconciliation. Nick Sobczyk, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025 The federal hiring process includes lengthy background checks, and some workers require specialized training on everything from grizzly bear safety to first aid to backcountry horse packing. Ruffin Prevost, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Half way through the lengthy document is a directive that would obliterate an obscure but critically important calculation the government uses to gauge the real-world costs that climate change is imposing on the U.S. economy. Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 21 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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