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

The translucent dress was paired with high-heeled musketeer-style boots that contrasted the transparent white fabric of the dress, adding dimension to the look while lengthening her legs. —Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 7 Sep. 2024

The group in June lengthened the 2.2 million barrels per day cut through the end of September. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

The brush separates each individual lash with ease while lengthening and volumizing (all without leaving behind clumps). —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2024

The cruise ship, built in 1993, lengthened in 2009 and refurbished in 2019, has had multiple owners during its 31-year history. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 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