length

length · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The measurement or extent of something from end to end; the longest dimension of an object.

  2. 2.

    The amount of time that something lasts; duration.

  3. 3.

    The quality or state of being long.

  4. 4.

    A piece of something that is long and narrow.

  5. 5.

    (in racing) The extent of a horse or boat from end to end as a measure of distance.

Forms

plural: lengths

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    at length — in detail; after a long time
  • •
    go to great lengths — to make a great effort; to try very hard
  • •
    at arm's length — at a distance; not too closely involved
  • •
    the length and breadth of — throughout the whole of
  • •
    full length — extending the complete distance; unabridged
  • •
    keep at arm's length — to avoid becoming too close or familiar

Related words

Antonyms: brevity, shortness, width
See also: distance, height, lengthy, long, width
Synonyms: distance, duration, extent, span

Etymology

From Old English lengþu, from lang ("long") + -þu (abstract noun suffix). Related to German Lange and Dutch lengte.