lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthened; lengthening

ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,

ˈlen(t)th-;

ˈleŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈlen(t)-

transitive verb

: to make longer

intransitive verb

: to grow longer

lengthener

ˈleŋ(k)th-nər

ˈlen(t)th-;

ˈleŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈlen(t)-

noun

Synonyms

• drag (out)
• draw out
• elongate
• extend
• outstretch
• prolong
• protract
• stretch

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

Featuring 30 essential oils, the rosemary oil combats dandruff and lengthens hair. —Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024

Balch said the study is another reminder that global warming — from humans burning fossil fuels — is adding strain to firefighters who are struggling to manage the risk as the fire season lengthens and communities grow in fire-prone areas. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024

Read More: Where the Push to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent Stands Unfortunately, there is no way to lengthen daylight hours in the winter to resemble blissful midsummer days and nights. —TIME, 9 Mar. 2024

The player: Tim Anderson Anderson is coming off his worst season as a big leaguer, but has the tools and the drive to bounce back and lengthen Miami’s lineup. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024

The aft swim platform has also been lengthened by roughly 2.3 feet. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

Shadows lengthen through the streets, and twilight falls ever so softly on this town that teeters on the brink yet somehow always manages to hang on. Find the reporter at www.rogernaylor.com. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024

As noted above, lengthen your torso and lean forward to intensify the stretching sensation in your hip. —Dana Santas, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024

It’s helped grow the bare spots in my eyebrows and lengthened my lashes. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthened; lengthening ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ 

ˈlen(t)th-

: to make or become longer

lengthener

ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)nər 

ˈlen(t)th-

noun