lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthened; lengthening

ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,

ˈlen(t)th-;

ˈleŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈlen(t)-

transitive verb

: to make longer

intransitive verb

: to grow longer

lengthener

ˈleŋ(k)th-nər

ˈlen(t)th-;

ˈleŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈlen(t)-

noun

Synonyms

• drag (out)
• draw out
• elongate
• extend
• outstretch
• prolong
• protract
• stretch

Choose the Right Synonym for lengthen

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length.

extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range.

extend a vacation

extend welfare services

lengthen a skirt

lengthen the workweek

prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Examples of lengthen in a Sentence

The days lengthened with the approach of spring.

Proper care will lengthen the life of the engine.

lengthen a pair of trousers

Recent Examples on the Web

That second line lengthens as if unfolding hard truth. —Stephanie Burt, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

This tail lengthens and shrinks seasonally depending on Mercury’s proximity to the sun. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

The House will also consider two separate bills approved by the Senate that lengthen waiting periods for gun purchases and a ban on bump stocks. —Lawrence Richard, Fox News, 16 Apr. 2024

In fact, many carriers are suspending routes to and from Israel for several months, while other airlines are changing the flight paths of planes scheduled to fly through the area so as not to pass over Iran—a move that could lengthen flight times, depending on the destination. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2024

That way hikers can shorten their poles when climbing uphill and lengthen them going downhill to maintain the ergonomic benefits. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Another woman in California, desperate for relief, used a screwdriver to lengthen her jawbone daily, turning screws that protruded from her neck. —Anna Werner, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2024

Featuring 30 essential oils, the rosemary oil combats dandruff and lengthens hair. —Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024

Balch said the study is another reminder that global warming — from humans burning fossil fuels — is adding strain to firefighters who are struggling to manage the risk as the fire season lengthens and communities grow in fire-prone areas. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthened; lengthening ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ 

ˈlen(t)th-

: to make or become longer

lengthener

ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)nər 

ˈlen(t)th-

noun