lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
1
: protracted excessively : overlong
2
lengthily adverb
lengthiness noun

Examples of lengthy in a Sentence

The process is both lengthy and costly. a series of lengthy delays Lengthier trips require more planning.
Recent Examples on the Web Although pursuit policies vary across the state and nation, several prominent law enforcement, traffic safety and research groups recently published a lengthy report on pursuit guidelines departments should consider when developing their own policies. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2024 His perilous journey to Australia culminated in a lengthy detention, including a significant period in solitary confinement, after being intercepted at Ashmore Reef. Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Mar. 2024 Yet only about 150 trucks have been entering Gaza through the two open land crossings each day, according to U.N. data, because of a number of factors, including lengthy Israeli inspections to enforce stringent restrictions on what can enter Gaza. David Segal, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024 The lengthy selection process starts with two-thirds approval of both the Senate and House of Representatives, who must agree that an individual or institution made a long-term impact on America's history and culture. Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024 The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit recently departed the Red Sea region after a lengthy deployment and is expected to arrive home in North Carolina in coming days. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 The amount of digital evidence Another major difference between the two trials was that Jennifer provided a lengthy digital trail of her thoughts and feelings, while James did not. Eric Levenson, CNN, 16 Mar. 2024 Frontman Scott Stapp and bandmates Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Brian Marshall are set to reunite for the Summer of ‘99 cruise festival in April, and will keep the party going with a lengthy extended tour in the fall. Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Knauss, who has worked at the Phoenix Fire Department since 2006, has had a lengthy string of legal problems over the years. The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lengthy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lengthy was in 1689

Dictionary Entries Near lengthy

Cite this Entry

“Lengthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lengthy

adjective
ˈleŋ(k)-thē How to pronounce lengthy (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthier; lengthiest
: very long
lengthily adverb
lengthiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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