so long as

conjunction

1
: during and up to the end of the time that : while
so long as you are here, I'm fine
2
: provided that
you may go, so long as you return by dinnertime

Examples of so long as in a Sentence

so long as you're staying with us, you may not smoke indoors
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.
Director Chad Stahelski mines humor from Caine’s reluctance and the over-the-top nature of the carnage, dragging out the violent sequences so long as to wear down resistance. Brian Lowry, CNN, 23 Mar. 2023 West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has transparently vowed to vote down his appointees so long as the White House disobeys his and his donors’ thirst for ever more drilling. Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 17 Mar. 2023 Outside the presidency, a person can continue to serve in federal office so long as they keep getting reelected. Houston Keene, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2023 Republican strategist Alex Conant suggested GOP candidates cannot count on these voters so long as Trump is involved in politics. Hannah Fingerhut, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for so long as 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of so long as was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near so long as

Cite this Entry

“So long as.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/so%20long%20as. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

so long as

conjunction
1
: during and up to the end of the time that : while
so long as you are here, I feel safe
2
: provided that
you may go, so long as you behave yourself
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