lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthier; lengthiest

1

: protracted excessively : overlong

2

: extended, long

lengthily

ˈleŋ(k)-thə-lē 

ˈlen(t)-

adverb

lengthiness

ˈleŋ(k)-thē-nəs 

ˈlen(t)-

noun

Synonyms of lengthy

• long
• elongate

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

Head coach Eckert being hit with three Football Association misconduct charges means the saga may yet cast a further shadow over the new campaign, especially as the German could be facing a lengthy ban. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The moves come as 311 has received nearly 3,000 complaints related to dog waste citywide so far this year, including a significant spike after the lengthy, lingering snow pileups this winter. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

The pair suffered severe burns and underwent a lengthy recovery, and Barker didn’t fly again for 13 years. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

The party’s divisions were even more apparent Thursday during a lengthy debate over a resolution calling for the formal abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthier; lengthiest

: very long

lengthily

-thə-lē 

adverb

lengthiness

-thē-nəs 

noun