along

preposition \ ə-ˈlȯŋ \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of along

1 : in a line matching the length or direction of

walking along the road

; also : at a point or points on

a house along the river

2 : in the course of

made stops along the way

3 : in accordance with : in

a new agreement along the lines of the first

See along defined for English-language learners

See along defined for kids

Examples of along in a Sentence

We walked along the beach.
The chairs were lined up along the wall.
The ship sailed along the coast.
We drove to Boston and we stopped along the way for lunch.

Recent Examples of along from the Web

Over the last weeks, that gnawing sense of something undone has only grown, along with the old fear—the fear that someone might find out I’d been raped as a child.

— keith gessen, The New Yorker, "The Silence: The Legacy of Childhood Trauma," 10 Apr. 2018
The Scotty Barnhill features carrot juice and celery syrup, along with Barr Hill Gin and the Greek liqueur Mastiha.

— wesley case, baltimoresun.com, "R. Bar celebrates John Waters with spring cocktail menu," 9 Apr. 2018
The affidavit revealed details about the construction of the bombs along with Conditt's planning and preparation.

— CNN, "'Drive Like Your Kids Live Here' sign hid one of Austin bomber's devices," 9 Apr. 2018
The Indians captured the women, along with some of their neighbors, and started on foot toward Canada.

— barbara cutter, Smithsonian, "The Gruesome Story of Hannah Duston, Whose Slaying of Indians Made Her an American Folk “Hero”," 9 Apr. 2018
Set aside ¼ cup chopped celery along with leaves for serving.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Mussels in Spicy Tomato Broth," 9 Apr. 2018
However, Prince Harry will move down to sixth in line with the arrival of a new niece or nephew, along with the rest of the extended royal relatives.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "All the Things We Know About the Next Royal Baby," 9 Apr. 2018
Sunshine is expected to return by Wednesday, along with much warmer temperatures.

— Cincinnati.com, "Messy wintry mix to start work week," 9 Apr. 2018
Included are vendors with crystals, essential oils, bead work and other items, along with readings by regional mediums.

— joan rusek, cleveland.com, "Special needs students stage Annie at St. Joan of Arc: Valley Views," 9 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'along.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of along

Middle English, from Old English andlang, from and- against + lang long — more at ante-

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

along

adverb

Definition of along

1 : forward, on

move along

2 : from one to another

word was passed along

3 a : in company : as a companion

brought his wife along

—often used with with

walked to school along with her friends

b : in association —used with with

work along with colleagues

4 a : sometime within a specified or implied extent of time —usually used with about

along about July 17

b : at or to an advanced point

plans are far along

5 : in addition : also —usually used with with

a bill came along with the package

6 : at hand : as a necessary or useful item

brought an extra one along

had his gun along

7 : on hand : there

tell him I'll be along to see him

See along defined for English-language learners

Examples of along in a Sentence

We walked along beside the road.
I was just walking along, minding my own business.
The police told the people in the crowd to move along.
We looked at the houses as we drove along.
Plans for a new stadium are already pretty far along.

Recent Examples of along from the Web

As the years moved along, more and more schools would be built in Harford County as school officials and county government leaders raced to catch up with the boom in students precipitated by all those new houses.

— The Aegis, "Pride, progress, learning for Fallston [Editorial]," 20 Apr. 2018
The parade will be along a quarter-mile flat, paved route.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Sponsors, vendors and entrants sought for 'Poodles on Parade'," 20 Apr. 2018
Stephen was very instrumental in helping us win a title in 2003 but along with that came Stephen’s fire and passion.

— jabari young, San Antonio Express-News, "Off-Topic with Mike Brown," 20 Apr. 2018
Perennials for sun and shade, bulbs, herbs, and unusual plants from members' own gardens will be available along with a gardener's white elephant table.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 17 Apr. 2018
Construction of two of the buildings is moving along quickly thanks to warmer weather.

— james b. nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bucks seek tenants for new building to be added to entertainment block," 12 Apr. 2018
Park guests stroll by, strike poses, get their selfies on and move along.

— dewayne bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Disney's 'purple wall' isn't immune to change," 11 Apr. 2018
Colin Blunstone, who joined Rod Argent's band in 1961, three years after the Zombies formed in England, has been along for most of the ride, too.

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "Rock Hall nominees the Zombies bring historic harmonies to Kent Stage," 19 Mar. 2018
His new collection will keep things moving along nicely in stores.

— nicole phelps, Vogue, "The 7 Best Collections from Milan Fashion Week," 26 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of along

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

along Synonyms

Synonyms

ahead, forth, forward, forwards, on, onward (also onwards);

Near Antonyms

back, backward (or backwards), behind, rearward (also rearwards);

ALONG Defined for English Language Learners

along

preposition

Definition of along for English Language Learners

: in a line matching the length or direction of (something)
: at a point on (something)

along

adverb

Definition of along for English Language Learners

: in a forward direction
: at or to an advanced point
: at a particular place : here or there

ALONG Defined for Kids

along

preposition \ ə-ˈlȯŋ \

Definition of along for Students

1 : on or near in a lengthwise direction

Walk along the trail.

2 : at a point on

He stopped along the way.

along

adverb

Definition of along for Students

1 : farther forward or on

Move along.

2 : as a companion, associate, or useful item

I brought a friend along.

3 : at an advanced point

The project is pretty well along.

— all along

: all the time

I knew it was you all along.

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See words that rhyme with along Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for along Spanish Central: Translation of along Nglish: Translation of along for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of along for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of along

along

Definition of along

Examples of along in a Sentence

Recent Examples of along from the Web

First Known Use of along

along Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

ALONG Defined for English Language Learners

along

Definition of along for English Language Learners

along

Definition of along for English Language Learners

ALONG Defined for Kids

along

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along

Definition of along for Students

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