long-distance

1 of 3

adjective

long-dis·​tance ˈlȯŋ-ˈdi-stən(t)s How to pronounce long-distance (audio)
1
: of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point especially outside a specified area
2
a
: situated a long distance away
b
: going or covering a long distance
long-distance roads
a long-distance runner
c
: conducted or effective over long distance
a long-distance relationship
long-distance listening devices

long-distance

2 of 3

adverb

1
: by long-distance telephone
called her long-distance
2
: over or from a long distance

long distance

3 of 3

noun

1
: communication by long-distance telephone
2
: a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections

Examples of long-distance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Thru-hiking clinics appeal to those dreaming of tackling long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail. Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026 Ferries may be the only link between islands, long-distance buses remain the backbone of inter-city travel, and weather disruptions can change your plans with little notice. Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Some 450,000 owner-operators currently haul long-distance freight by the truckload, estimates Stephen Burks, a former truck driver and economist at the University of Minnesota Morris who researches the industry. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026 The Anvil 715 concept is painted in a drab green coat and built for overlanding — long-distance road trips into remote areas. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Michigan packed the paint on defense, basically giving the team that averaged the fifth-fewest three-point attempts in the country this year free rein from long distance, then daring Arizona to create inside. Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026 Michigan packed the paint on defense, basically giving the team that averaged the fifth-fewest 3-point attempts in the country this year free rein from long distance, then daring Arizona to create inside. Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for long-distance

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Adverb

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-distance was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Long-distance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-distance. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

long-distance

1 of 3 adjective
long-dis·​tance
-ˈdis-tən(t)s
1
: of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point
2
a
: situated a long distance away
b
: going or covering a long distance
long-distance roads
a long-distance runner
c
: conducted or effective over a long distance
a long-distance relationship
long-distance listening devices

long-distance

2 of 3 adverb
: by long-distance telephone

long distance

3 of 3 noun
1
: communication by long-distance telephone
2
: a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections
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