decades-long

adjective

de·​cades-long ˈde-ˌkādz-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce decades-long (audio)
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
His decades-long accumulation of books makes an eclectic mix …Stephen Mihm

Examples of decades-long in a Sentence

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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decades-long was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Decades-long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decades-long. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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