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

Most formulas offer the same benefits as the very best mascaras—increasing volume and density, lengthening and separating lashes, etc—and deliver results just as effectively. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026

Then Golden State took control down the stretch, lengthening the lead early and scoring 29 points in the fourth to ensure a comfortable final five minutes. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

The courts also need lengthening because players are hitting the ball harder. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

Storing the guava in the refrigerator will lengthen the ripening by an additional week or two. — Su-Jit Lin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 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