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

There didn’t used to be internet or email (ja, really), and long-distance phone calls were a dollar a minute. — Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026

The best long-distance walking shoes are different than the running shoes many people lace up before a long stroll. — Oscar Hartzog, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

Adverb

The screwworm fly is a lousy long-distance traveler. — Ciara McCarthy. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026

Paraguay came flying out of the blocks, scoring after just two minutes with an excellent long-distance strike from Matias Galarza. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Noun

The toxic hairs break easily and can be spread over long distances by the wind. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

Hybrids are able to travel for extremely long distances thanks to this process. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 June 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