elongate

1 of 2

verb

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

(ˌ)ē-,

ˈē-ˌlȯŋ-

elongated; elongating

transitive verb

: to extend the length of

intransitive verb

: to grow in length

elongate

2 of 2

variant of elongate entry 1

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.

Synonyms

Verb

• lengthen
• extend
• stretch
• increase

• long
• extended

Examples of elongate in a Sentence

Verb

These stretching exercises can help elongate your leg muscles.

New medical procedures have elongated the careers of many athletes.

the giraffe's elongate neck is thought to be the result of natural selection

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

On the bright side Sunday for the Miami Dolphins, at least no earthquake or other natural disaster struck Indianapolis to delay the game and elongate the misery. —Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025

In 2020, the concept was redesigned and elongated in the form of the Magellano 25 Metri, with a tender garage and more stylish exterior. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025

Applying this model directly to ALMA’s data showed a steep decline—the inner disk is more elongated, while the outer edge is closer to circular. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025

For a modern or narrow doorway, tall, slender plants elongate the entry. —Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Late Latin elongatus, past participle of elongare to withdraw, from Latin e- + longus

First Known Use

Verb

1578, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

elongate

1 of 2 verb

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

elongated; elongating

: to make or grow longer

elongation

(ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən

noun

elongate

2 of 2 adjective

variants or elongated

i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt-əd

: stretched out

especially : being much greater in length than in width

Medical Definition

elongate

1 of 2 verb

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

elongated; elongating

transitive verb

: to extend the length of

intransitive verb

: to grow in length

elongate

2 of 2 adjective

variants or elongated

: long in proportion to width