lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-

transitive verb

: to make longer

intransitive verb

: to grow longer
lengthener
ˈleŋ(k)th-nər
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for lengthen

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length.

extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range.

extend a vacation
extend welfare services
lengthen a skirt
lengthen the workweek

prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Examples of lengthen in a Sentence

The days lengthened with the approach of spring. Proper care will lengthen the life of the engine. lengthen a pair of trousers
Recent Examples on the Web Pilates places a particular emphasis on eccentric muscle contractions (when they are lengthened under load, like lowering into a squat) to build strength, Gerhman says—think moves like leg circles and the elephant, which hit your hamstrings while they’re stretched. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 14 Mar. 2024 Moon will appear bigger from Earth, lengthening time of darkness In order for a total eclipse to occur, the moon but be close enough in its orbit of Earth to appear, at least to us, to be the same size of the sun. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 In 1986, under president Ronald Reagan, the U.S. lengthened Daylight Saving Time from six months to seven. Zoë Schlanger, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Workers are willing to quit their jobs pretty quickly these days, leaving companies scrambling to find the best ways to retain talent and lengthen the average employee tenure rate. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2024 Teeth come in earlier in girls, lengthening exposure; 2. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024 According to Google Maps, this would lengthen the usual trip by about 10 miles. Renee Yan, Chron, 24 Dec. 2023 Additional music will lengthen the Saturday lineup, after being a little short in 2023. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2024 These elements lengthen the customer experience and encourage repeat visits. Naveen Jaggi, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lengthen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of lengthen was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lengthen

Cite this Entry

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lengthen

verb
length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)th-
: to make or become longer
lengthener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthen

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