lengthen
verb
length·en
ˈleŋ(k)-thən 
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə-
ˈlen(t)-
: to make longer
: to grow longer
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
Detention stays are lengthening in part because of the administration's decision last summer to restrict bond hearings in immigration court.
—
Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
But having firefighters wait before starting preparations also delays when they can be dispatched to emergencies, which has lengthened response times — and has likely cost many lives across the city, the 60-page audit says.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Not to mention climate change, which lengthens growing seasons and increases pollen production.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Trouble is, the Legislature has had no trouble finding excuses to enact and renew an ever-lengthening list of exemptions.
—Martin Dyckman, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lengthen
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Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
But having firefighters wait before starting preparations also delays when they can be dispatched to emergencies, which has lengthened response times — and has likely cost many lives across the city, the 60-page audit says.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Not to mention climate change, which lengthens growing seasons and increases pollen production.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Trouble is, the Legislature has had no trouble finding excuses to enact and renew an ever-lengthening list of exemptions.
—Martin Dyckman, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lengthen
Cite this Entry
“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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