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.
As new growth resumes or accelerates with our lengthening days, some of the oldest leaves might turn yellow and fall off, which is normal. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025 Anne Hathaway's sandals will win over heel lovers—and anyone who wants to visually lengthen their legs. María Munsuri, Glamour, 26 Apr. 2025 Many drug users may not be aware of its presence, but it's known to lengthen the high of traditional short-acting opioids like fentanyl and cause overdoses. Meira Gebel, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025 For instance, ragweed pollen season in North America has lengthened since 1995. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 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 5 May. 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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