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

Yet, Episode 4 still ends with Carrie committing to staying in a long-distance relationship with Aidan for the next five years despite his inability to promise her basically anything in return. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025

The couple met at the gym and began dating in July 2023, Nelson revealed in season 2 of America’s Sweethearts — but were thrust into a long-distance relationship when Krueger moved to Dallas to audition for the DCC. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 19 June 2025

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

In addition to flying long distances, planes cover a lot of ground in terms of altitude. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025

People were knitting, crocheting, figure drawing, running long distances, or doing jujitsu just to have something meaningful to do that wasn’t dicking around on the internet. —Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 12 June 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