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:
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 Ford’s deployment is notable not only for its length but also its pace, with operations in two hemispheres, combat in the Middle East, and maintenance challenges, including recurring plumbing failures that drew public attention.
—
Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Her hair was left long and straight with barely any curl, to echo the length of the statement-making dress.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
The new vessel will have a displacement of about 80,000 tons and a length of 1,017 feet, compared with 42,000 tons and 856 feet for the Charles de Gaulle.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for length
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Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Her hair was left long and straight with barely any curl, to echo the length of the statement-making dress.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
The new vessel will have a displacement of about 80,000 tons and a length of 1,017 feet, compared with 42,000 tons and 856 feet for the Charles de Gaulle.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for length
Cite this Entry
“Length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/length. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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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