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

As the oil blockade quickly exhausts Cuba’s supply of fuel, triggering a series of lengthy, island-wide blackouts, many here are exhausted and are becoming increasingly vocal about their desire for fundamental changes in Cuba. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026

After a lengthy discussion, hearing officer Antoinette Gibbs approved a project at 1720 Torrey Pines Road that was the subject of a code enforcement complaint. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

In a lengthy Instagram post on Friday (March 27), White mocked the announcement. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2026

After a lengthy conference call, Johnson blasted the Senate’s action and announced that the House would be going in a different route. —Kevin Freking, Fortune, 28 Mar. 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