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Synonyms

lengthy

American  
[lengk-thee, leng-, len-] / ˈlɛŋk θi, ˈlɛŋ-, ˈlɛn- /

adjective

lengthier, lengthiest

  1. having or being of great length; very long.

    a lengthy journey.

  2. tediously verbose; very long; too long.

    a lengthy speech.
lengthy British  
/ ˈlɛŋθɪ, ˈlɛŋkθɪ /

adjective

  1. of relatively great or tiresome extent or duration

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • lengthily adverb
  • lengthiness noun

Etymology

Origin of lengthy

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90; length + -y 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“State and federal authorities conducted lengthy investigations regarding the alleged claims against Mr. Black presented by Wigdor, and he was not charged,” said Estrich, Black’s attorney.

From The Wall Street Journal

She found them easier to watch than the lengthy TV shows which would keep her up all night.

From BBC

Unlike large firms with extensive legal teams and lobbying power, small businesses lack the resources to pursue lengthy legal battles or access capital from financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

He took lengthy statements, under oath, from John, Peggy, and David Fox.

From Literature

The court sentenced the four defendants to lengthy jail sentences, suspended pending appeal.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.