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.
Their work emphasizes that with lengthening lifespans, Americans will face multiple career transitions and need continual skill renewal. Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Listen to this article CARLSBAD — Dianna Lee settled over a 4-foot put on the 18th green in the lengthening shadows Wednesday evening at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s North Course. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 Ionescu’s odds also lengthened somewhat, from +1900 to +2500. Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 16 May 2025 That exemption lengthens an existing 20-year exemption for new construction, which was approved by the council with the mayor’s encouragement in 2022. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 6 May 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 28 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

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