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

Many saw the drive as a symbolic milestone, suggesting that advanced driver-assistance systems are becoming capable of handling long-distance, real-world travel with minimal human input. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

On days when long-distance runs or bike rides aren’t in the cards, shorter, lower-intensity aerobic sessions can still be beneficial for preserving endurance. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026

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

Leonard led all scorers with 26 points, going 8 of 13 from the field and 4 of 5 from long distance. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, airborne diseases transmit as very small, infectious droplets that remain suspended in the air over long distances and time. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Dec. 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