1
always used before a noun
a
: going or covering a great distance
long-distance trade routes
long-distance travel
long-distance roads
a long-distance runner
b
: involving people who are far apart
The two carried on a long-distance courtship/relationship/romance.
2
of a telephone call
: connecting to a place that is far away
She made several long-distance (phone/telephone) calls.
Is this call long-distance?
Cite this Entry
“Long-distance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/long-distance. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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