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

By May 2026, the company was making almost $28 in revenue per short-distance passenger, compared with $73 per long-distance passenger, illustrating the tension between the two services. — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

An electric vehicle carries tens to more than 100 kilowatt-hours of energy and must perform reliably through freezing winters, scorching summers, long-distance travel and years of daily use. — Vincent Yang, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Especially when you guys were in a long distance relationship. — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026

See, the way my thighs are set up, running long distance in a pair of shorty shorts would just mean punching a one-way ticket to Chafe-town. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 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