lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthier; lengthiest

1

: protracted excessively : overlong

2

: extended, long

lengthily

ˈleŋ(k)-thə-lē 

ˈlen(t)-

adverb

lengthiness

ˈleŋ(k)-thē-nəs 

ˈlen(t)-

noun

Synonyms of lengthy

• long
• elongate

Examples of lengthy in a Sentence

The process is both lengthy and costly.

a series of lengthy delays

Lengthier trips require more planning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the labor leaders and their allies in the General Assembly credited Lamont for his support of the lengthy labor bill that passed in the final days of this year’s legislative session. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026

Sources close to the investigation told CBS News that even a low-level sample can be enhanced by scientific techniques in the lab, but the process could be lengthy. —Anna Schecter, CBS News, 12 May 2026

The hosts sat down for a lengthy discussion on the state of late-night TV and the impending cancellation of The Late Show, which will come to an end later this month. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026

The launch process was lengthy, but the programs have been successful. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthier; lengthiest

: very long

lengthily

-thə-lē 

adverb

lengthiness

-thē-nəs 

noun