lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
1
: protracted excessively : overlong
2
lengthily adverb
lengthiness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pattie Mallette posted photos of Bieber to social media last month, along with a lengthy caption of a prayer asking for healing. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025 The $5 pastry prompted lengthy lines of people longing for a taste, as well as copycats and other Franken-foods. Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 Ross’s experience producing British features with the studios was one of the most interesting notes covered during this morning’s lengthy session, which served as the keynote event of the London Film Festival’s industry forum. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Investigators detailed those conclusions in a lengthy memo last month recommending that the office not move forward in charging Comey, according to sources familiar with the memo's contents. Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lengthy

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lengthy was in 1689

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lengthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthy. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lengthy

adjective
ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
: very long
lengthily adverb
lengthiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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