long-distance

1 of 3

adjective

long-dis·​tance ˈlȯŋ-ˈdi-stən(t)s 

1

: of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point especially outside a specified area

2

a

: situated a long distance away

b

: going or covering a long distance

long-distance roads

a long-distance runner

c

: conducted or effective over long distance

a long-distance relationship

long-distance listening devices

long-distance

2 of 3

adverb

1

: by long-distance telephone

called her long-distance

2

: over or from a long distance

long distance

3 of 3

noun

1

: communication by long-distance telephone

2

: a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections

Examples of long-distance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Short-distance spikes barely have any padding to ensure direct force transfer whenever your foot comes into contact wiht the track, while medium- and long-distance spikes need more foam for impact- and leg strain–elimination purposes. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Under Robinson, the Roosters have thrived on long-distance hauls to places like Leeds, Manchester and London, even when facing home teams. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Fuel costs change quickly, sometimes every week or month, and this acts like an extra tax on every part of the shipping process, from long-distance freight to local deliveries. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Then Nanclares made a wonderful save, deflecting Sophia Wilson's long-distance effort off the crossbar. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026

Noun

That arrangement is efficient for moving large volumes over long distances, but assembling trains and coordinating terminal operations can make smaller, short-haul shipments less economical. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Low-band frequencies can travel long distances and penetrate dense structures. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Adverb

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

long-distance

1 of 3 adjective

long-dis·​tance

-ˈdis-tən(t)s

1

: of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point

2

a

: situated a long distance away

b

: going or covering a long distance

long-distance roads

a long-distance runner

c

: conducted or effective over a long distance

a long-distance relationship

long-distance listening devices

long-distance

2 of 3 adverb

: by long-distance telephone

long distance

3 of 3 noun

1

: communication by long-distance telephone

2

: a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections