decades-long
adjective
de·cades-long
ˈde-ˌkādz-ˌlȯŋ 
variants
or less commonly decadeslong
: lasting two or more decades : occurring over a period of two or more decades
… no discussion of wolf research would be complete without mention of this fascinating, decades-long study.—
Robert R. Ream
Robert R. ReamHis decades-long accumulation of books makes an eclectic mix …—Stephen Mihm
Stephen MihmExamples of decades-long in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Weaver, 76, reflected on the line — as well as her decades-long career — during a recent panel at New York Comic Con moderated by Josh Horowitz, host of the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Lisa Wayne has tried 150 cases before juries in the course of her decades-long career.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
The award recognizes filmmakers whose work has illuminated history, inspired public discourse, and deepened cultural understanding — a legacy Burns has embodied throughout his decades-long career.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
The 16 victims who died in the Accurate Energetic Systems explosion, leaving the greater Bucksnort community in Hickman and Humphreys Counties devastated, spanned generations, with some nearing the end of decades-long careers while others were just starting out in life.
—Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decades-long
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.
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Lisa Wayne has tried 150 cases before juries in the course of her decades-long career.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
The award recognizes filmmakers whose work has illuminated history, inspired public discourse, and deepened cultural understanding — a legacy Burns has embodied throughout his decades-long career.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
The 16 victims who died in the Accurate Energetic Systems explosion, leaving the greater Bucksnort community in Hickman and Humphreys Counties devastated, spanned generations, with some nearing the end of decades-long careers while others were just starting out in life.
—Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decades-long
Cite this Entry
“Decades-long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decades-long. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share