long-winded

adjective

long-wind·​ed ˌlȯŋ-ˈwin-dəd 

ˈlȯŋ-ˌwin-

1

: tediously long in speaking or writing

2

: not easily subject to loss of breath

long-windedly adverb

long-windedness noun

Synonyms of long-winded

• rambling

Examples of long-winded in a Sentence

his long-winded explanation could have been boiled down to two sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

But, by heck, Tolkien does love a long-winded description. — Big Think, 11 Mar. 2026

Most were held at church, which meant the price of fried fish was often sitting through an extended sermon led by a long-winded pastor. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026

Jake heard the news in the break room at work and almost immediately began a long-winded email to Tom. — Olivia Krupp, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026

The 4½-hour ceremony varied between long-winded and succinct. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for long-winded

• rescinded
• winded

Kids Definition

long-winded

adjective

long-wind·​ed

ˈlȯŋ-ˈwin-dəd

: boringly long in speaking or writing

long-windedly adverb

long-windedness noun