lengthy

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: lengthier · lengthiest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having length; long and overextended, especially in time rather than dimension.

Adjective

Examples

a lengthy text

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Speaking or writing at length; long-winded.

Adjective

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “lengthy” mean?

Having length; long and overextended, especially in time rather than dimension.

Is “lengthy” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.