lengthen

1 of 2

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

lengthener

2 of 2

noun

length·​en·​er -th(ə)nə(r) 

plural -s

: one that lengthens

Synonyms of lengthen

Verb

• extend
• prolong
• increase
• stretch
• elongate

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

Verb

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

Verb

In some areas, however, demand for testing has lengthened the turnaround time to two to three days, doctors said. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Its sleek, leg-lengthening silhouette provides a clean, polished look for professional settings while still being versatile enough for casual wear. — Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

The secret is to choose a top with vertical details—think visible buttons, linear embroidery, or a high neck that visually lengthens the torso. — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 9 July 2026

The high-rise pair is fitted through the thighs before widening at the bottom, creating a flattering, leg-lengthening silhouette. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for lengthen

• strengthen

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