lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-

transitive verb

: to make longer

intransitive verb

: to grow longer
lengthener
ˈleŋ(k)th-nər
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
noun
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the air, the 6.9-foot-wide (2.1-m) wing increases lift and improves glide with the intent of lengthening the overall flight distance and time in the air. New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024 Easter cactus, for example, begins blooming when days lengthen in early spring. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024 This also happens to be one of the last Bugs Bunny shorts made before another animator in Clampett’s unit, Robert McKimson, refreshed the bunny’s design: raising him a little taller, lengthening his ears, and widening his mouth to accentuate his murine mandibles. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 White House and State Department officials held their breath when the short cease-fire began in November 2023, hopeful it could be lengthened until an uneasy peace turned into the status quo. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lengthen 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of lengthen was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lengthen

Cite this Entry

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lengthen

verb
length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)th-
: to make or become longer
lengthener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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