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

Bright sunlight floods the sensors with background noise, surface reflections distort the signal, and long-distance measurements require higher stability than short-range indoor use. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

Have a Project One of the absolute joys of long-distance backpacking is silence, or an escape from the onslaught of incessant inputs that constitute modern life. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside, 2 Sep. 2025

Adverb

Travelers who take off on months-long, around-the-world cruises enjoy the combination of daily resort-style perks and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences only long-distance cruising can offer. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2023

In the East Regional, Michigan State and Kansas State combined for 24 made 3s, both shooting over 45% from long-distance. —Lindsay Schnell, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2023

Noun

By letting signals travel through air rather than glass, the design reduces energy loss and allows light to move more efficiently over long distances. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

In rural areas, the lack of clean water undermines education opportunities for girls who are tasked with walking long distances to collect water, while poor sanitation makes medical care unsafe. —Kelly Parsons, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

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