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

Their sleek silhouette and tapered toe boxes won’t overwhelm outfits, and instead, have a leg-lengthening effect when paired with skinny jeans (in true millennial fashion) or straight-leg pants. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026

As the researchers lengthened the fall, this phase increased—a behavior in line with the theory. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Bregman’s improvement has been a complement to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s incredible season and lengthens the Cubs lineup. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

The new style is part of the Gucci Primavera collection, and the Donna features a striking, pronounced outline and clean lines all around, lengthening the leg. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 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