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

The asymmetry can help visually lengthen and balance a round face. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Its researchers later lengthened its legs to almost 3½ feet ahead of the games, according to broadcaster CCTV. — Reuters, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

The sideways lean becomes a forward one, the gap between his legs increases, and his feet begin landing beneath or slightly behind his centre of mass as his stride lengthens. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Go with a pair of sleek almond-toe pumps to visually lengthen the legs and instantly elevate a look. — Renata Joffre, Glamour, 18 Aug. 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