elongate

verb elon·gate \ i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt , (ˌ)ē- , ˈē-ˌlȯŋ- \

|Updated on: 1 Aug 2018

Examples: elongate in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of elongate

elongated; elongating

transitive verb

: to extend the length of

intransitive verb

: to grow in length

See elongate defined for English-language learners

See elongate defined for kids

Examples of elongate in a Sentence

These stretching exercises can help elongate your leg muscles.
New medical procedures have elongated the careers of many athletes.

Recent Examples of elongate from the Web

The piece was simultaneously fluid and body-skimming, thanks to a waist-defining panel and elongating asymmetric hem.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Sarah Jessica Parker Has a Carrie Bradshaw Moment in the City," 13 June 2018
Keep your hips forward-facing and spine elongated throughout this entire exercise.

— Philly.com, "A beginner's guide to starting a yoga practice," 10 July 2018
Beckham chose a feminine pajama blouse that featured exposed contrast buttons for a neat design detail. Flared and pleated trousers elongated her legs, while her stylish kids circled around her in a mashup of graphic ensembles grounded by sneakers.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Victoria Beckham Celebrates Her 44th Birthday With the Entire Beckham Clan," 17 Apr. 2018
For those of you looking for the same sky-high length that the temporary procedure provides — without having to fork over half a month's rent — there are elongating mascaras that offer a similar effect.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "The 13 Best Lengthening Mascaras for Short Lashes," 7 June 2018
The slow-moving saga over the future of Glendale Unified’s high school math curriculum was elongated another two weeks following a 5-0 vote by school board members Monday.

— andrew j. campa, latimes.com, "Glendale Unified’s mathematics gridlock continues," 7 June 2018
To accentuate and define your jaw, elongate your body and neck by imagining you’re being pulled up by a string attached to the top of your head.

— New York Times, "How to Pose for a Photograph," 30 May 2018
Media attention often declines as movements mature, protest cycles elongate and newer movements get more attention. 3.

— Washington Post, "These are the four largest protests since Trump was inaugurated," 31 May 2018
The rose wool-crepe dress features a panelled bodice and pencil skirt, with a curved waist seam for an elongating effect, and sheer sleeves finished with raw edges.

— chrissy rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "You Can Buy Meghan Markle's Sheer Dress She Wore For Her First Appearance As Duchess," 22 May 2018

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

Did You Know?

Elongate is often found in scientific writing, but the adjective elongated is more common, and frequently used to describe body parts in discussions of anatomy. This was even the case when the superhero Elongated Man made his appearance back in 1960. But some other characters with the same powers—Plastic Man, Elastic Lad, and Mr. Fantastic—ended up having longer careers.