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length

noun \ˈleŋ(k)th, ˈlen(t)th\

: the distance from one end of something to the other end : a measurement of how long something is

: the size or extent of a piece of writing

: the quality or state of being long

plural lengths \ˈleŋ(k)ths, ˈlen(t)ths, ˈleŋ(k)s\

Full Definition of LENGTH

1
a :  the longer or longest dimension of an object
b :  a measured distance or dimension <10 feet in length> — see metric system table, weight table
c :  the quality or state of being long
2
a :  duration or extent in time
b :  relative duration or stress of a sound
3
a :  distance or extent in space
b :  the length of something taken as a unit of measure <his horse led by a length>
4
:  the degree to which something (as a course of action or a line of thought) is carried —often used in plural <went to great lengths to learn the truth>
5
a :  a long expanse or stretch
b :  a piece constituting or usable as part of a whole or of a connected series :  section <a length of pipe>
6
:  the longer or vertical dimension of a piece of clothing —often used in combination <elbow-length sleeves>
— at length
1
:  fully, comprehensively
2
:  at last :  finally
See length defined for English-language learners
See length defined for kids
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Origin of LENGTH

Middle English lengthe, from Old English lengthu, from lang long
First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LENGTH

Synonyms
breadth, distance, expansion, extent, field, expanse, plain, reach, sheet, spread, stretch, waste

Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain
LENGTH Defined for Kids

length

noun \ˈleŋth\

Definition of LENGTH for Kids

1
:  the measured distance from one end to the other of the longer or longest side of an object
2
:  a measured distance <The road is three miles in length.>
3
:  the amount of time something takes <The movie is two hours in length.>
4
:  a piece of something that is long <She bought a length of pipe.>
5
:  the distance from top to bottom of an article of clothing <knee-length pants>
6
:  the sound of a vowel or syllable as it is affected by the time needed to pronounce it
— at length
1
:  very fully <We discussed the problem at length.>
2
:  at the end :  finally <They decided at length to order pizza.>

Learn More About LENGTH

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29 ENTRIES FOUND:
  1. length
  2. length-breadth index
  3. alphabet length
  4. arm's length
  5. bishop's length
  6. box-length
  7. breaking length
  8. cable length
  9. cable's length
  10. clear length
  11. crown-rump length
  12. dental length
  13. equivalent focal length
  14. floor-length
  15. focal length
  16. fork length
  17. full-length
  18. glabello-occipital length
  19. half-length
  20. oil length
  21. panel length
  22. pulse length modulation
  23. restriction fragment length polymorphism
  24. sled-length
  25. speed-length ratio
  26. standard length
  27. stem length
  28. stove length
  29. whole-length
Next Word in the Dictionary: length–breadth indexPrevious Word in the Dictionary: lengenbachiteAll Words Near: length
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