plural lengths
ˈleŋ(k)ths 
ˈlen(t)ths,
ˈleŋ(k)s
1
a
: the longer or longest dimension of an object
b
: a measured distance or dimension
10 feet in length
see Metric System Table, Weights and Measures Table
c
: the quality or state of being long
the length of the journey
2
a
: duration or extent in time
b
: relative duration or stress of a sound (such as a vowel or syllable in prose or a note in music)
3
a
: distance or extent in space
a street with its length of colonial houses
b
: the length of something taken as a unit of measure
his horse led by a length
4
: the degree to which something (such 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
her lengths of lustrous hair
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
see also at length
Examples of length in a Sentence
The length of the table is six feet, and its width is three feet.
These pins are available in one- and two-inch lengths.
The adult animals reach a maximum length of two meters.
Your essay should be no more than 250 words in length.
the length of a movie
They were two car lengths behind us.
Recent Examples on the Web
The mid-length and PrimaLoft insulation add warmth without feeling bulky, and the adjustable hood and waist make layering easy.
—
Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
Legendary hairstylist McKnight bleached the roots in the center of the head and the lengths immediately above the ear and hairline to create a stark contrast, one that both frames and lights up the face.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2025
With a longer hip length that sits below the waistband, this tank provides excellent, everyday coverage in all the right places.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
The elaborate setups required a major investment, starting with paintings stretching a hundred yards and more in length.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for length
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
Legendary hairstylist McKnight bleached the roots in the center of the head and the lengths immediately above the ear and hairline to create a stark contrast, one that both frames and lights up the face.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2025
With a longer hip length that sits below the waistband, this tank provides excellent, everyday coverage in all the right places.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
The elaborate setups required a major investment, starting with paintings stretching a hundred yards and more in length.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for length
Cite this Entry
“Length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/length. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
a
: the measured distance from one end to the other of the longer or longest side of an object
also
: any measured distance
b
: the quality or state of being long
2
a
: the amount of time something takes
the length of a visit
b
: the sound of a vowel or syllable as it is affected by the time needed to pronounce it
3
: a piece of something long
a length of pipe
4
: the distance from top to bottom of an article of clothing
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