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

Your first instinct is to pull your head toward your shoulder, trying to lengthen your stiff, sore muscles. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 29 Oct. 2024

There are notes of citrus, vanilla, spice, and milk chocolate on the palate, and at 48.1 percent ABV just a bit of heat to lengthen the finish a bit. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

L’Oréal’s Panorama formula is one to watch—lengthening and volumizing each lash with a multi-level bristle brush wand. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2024

Silversea Cruises View 4 Images View gallery - 4 images Slicing huge cruise ships in half, then welding in an extra segment to lengthen them, is more or less a license to print money for cruise operators – so this 'jumboization' surgery is becoming very common. —New Atlas, 7 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