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

Thru-hiking clinics appeal to those dreaming of tackling long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail. —Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026

Ferries may be the only link between islands, long-distance buses remain the backbone of inter-city travel, and weather disruptions can change your plans with little notice. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026

Adverb

The telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication by transmitting messages in Morse code over wires. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026

While on hiatus, Styles rediscovered himself both alone and in crowds, fixating on long-distance running, family, and electronic music. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

Noun

Rather, these are lines on steel towers five or six times as tall, carrying power in bulk across long distances. —Marc Levy, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026

Ole Miss struggled from long distance, making just 1 of 14 attempts from 3-point range. —ABC News, 7 Mar. 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