English edit

Etymology edit

From length +‎ -y.

Pronunciation edit

  • (file)

Adjective edit

lengthy (comparative lengthier, superlative lengthiest)

  1. Having length; long and overextended, especially in time rather than dimension.
    • 2011 July 19, Ella Davies, “Sticks insects survive one million years without sex”, in BBC[1]:
      They traced the ancient lineages of two species to reveal the insects' lengthy history of asexual reproduction.
    a lengthy text
    a lengthy discussion
    a laborious and lengthy process
    She died last night after a lengthy illness.
    They received lengthy prison terms.
  2. Speaking or writing at length; long-winded.
    • 1863, John Cumming, Driftwood, seaweed and fallen leaves, volume 1, page 92:
      If, in addition to being a lengthy preacher, he had also been a Rev. Mr. Mumbles or a Rev. Dr. Drone, the penance thus endured by his people would have been intolerably severe.

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