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
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.
Deadhead plants after flowering to lengthen the bloom season. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 But solar advocates pushed back, warning that the changes would lengthen payback periods, discourage solar investment and undermine clean energy goals adopted by cities like Boise. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 2 Oct. 2025 When the season was lengthened to include October and November, the hunting improved dramatically. Worth Matthewson, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025 The modifications included lengthening the body by 10 inches, lowering it, and giving it a new rear aero kit, as well as a new exhaust setup. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lengthen

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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