prolonged; prolonging; prolongs
pro·lon·ga·tion
(ˌ)prōˌlȯŋˈgāshən prəˌ- also -läy- 
plural -s
1
a
: an extension or lengthening in time or duration
the indefinite prolongation of the Korean truce talks—
Joseph & Stewart Alsop
Joseph & Stewart Alsop
b
: the continuation or protraction of a spoken syllable or sound
the principle of prolongation—H. W. Smyth
H. W. Smyth2
: an expansion or continuation in extent, scope, or range
a northwesterly prolongation into the plain of Lancastria—L. D. Stamp
L. D. Stampa prolongation of ourselves—Times Literary Supplement
Times Literary Supplementwater and plants … became a part and prolongation of the structures conceived by the architect—José Gómez-Sicre
José Gómez-Sicretreats literature … as a prolongation (of the past) rather than as an original creation—Wallace Fowlie
Wallace FowlieExamples of prolong in a Sentence
Verb
Additives are used to prolong the shelf life of packaged food.
High interest rates were prolonging the recession.
Recent Examples on the Web
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
The European Union on Friday moved to prolong temporary protection status for millions of people who have fled the war in Ukraine, but not for new arrivals who would be eligible to serve in the armed forces.
—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
For group 1’s pulmonary arterial hypertension, there are now 17 drugs developed over the last 25 years that can ease symptoms and prolong life.
—
Elizabeth Cooney,
STAT,
26 June 2026
The Mets prolonged Mendoza’s fate.
—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prolong
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Verb
While chances for thunderstorms later in the week could cool off the area in time for the July 4th holiday, any reduced storm coverage could prolong the hot stretch.
—
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
The European Union on Friday moved to prolong temporary protection status for millions of people who have fled the war in Ukraine, but not for new arrivals who would be eligible to serve in the armed forces.
—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
For group 1’s pulmonary arterial hypertension, there are now 17 drugs developed over the last 25 years that can ease symptoms and prolong life.
—
Elizabeth Cooney,
STAT,
26 June 2026
The Mets prolonged Mendoza’s fate.
—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prolong
Cite this Entry
“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolong. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prolong
verb
pro·long
prə-ˈlȯŋ
: to make longer in time
prolonged the visit
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