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.
The city and the developer are nearing the end of a lengthy negotiating process that is expected to culminate with a long-term ground lease, although deal terms have not been made public. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 In a news release Thursday, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office detailed its efforts to identify and find kin for a man found floating in a portion of the lengthy creek that goes through Metcalf Park on June 14, 1997. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 The warrant charging White was obtained following a lengthy investigation. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 Following weeks of criticism from activists and Ukrainian officials, Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera defended his selection of Russian filmmaker Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s feature DAU in a lengthy Instagram message posted on Wednesday. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthy

Nglish: Translation of lengthy for Spanish Speakers

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