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

After World War I, the US Navy operated the Yangtze Patrol, a flotilla of gunboats that protected American interests – including missionaries and oil companies – inside China during a lengthy period of warlordism and instability. —Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

Bowen Byram made everything happen to set up Alex Tuch's goal, and Jason Zucker scored off his back on a power play in his second game back in the lineup following a lengthy absence. —CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Kinnear said the Checkers are still learning to deal with things such as lengthy road trips. —Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026

After returning to the lineup on the road this week, Braun revealed that ligament damage was to blame for the lengthy recovery timeline. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 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