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

Instead, the Peugeot excels as a relaxed long-distance cruiser — quiet, smooth and effortlessly comfortable over extended journeys. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Layouts are adjusted around individual routines, whether that involves extended family use, long-distance cruising or integrating work into life on the vessel. —Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 31 May 2026

Noun

If dissolved in water or released into the air, PFAS can also travel long distances from their point of origin, ending up in remote locations. —Carrie McDonough, The Conversation, 29 May 2026

For the longest time liquid natural gas production made less sense given the challenge of shipping it long distances domestically or globally. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 28 May 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