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 sport didn't stick around in the Olympics, but has its own major long-distance competitions every year, including the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026

These studies confirmed that quantum bits (qubits) could be transmitted over long-distance fiber optic infrastructure. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026

Noun

These were modern inventions made possible by the introduction of railroads to transport prisoners long distances from battlefields, and by the growth of administrative and organizational structures required to manage not just mass armies but hundreds of thousands of prisoners. —Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026

Keep in touch with long distance friends and family members by writing them a letter. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 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