noun
length
lehngth
noun
1
The measurement of something from one end to the other, along its longest side.
"The length of the swimming pool is fifty metres."
"They measured the length of the table before buying a tablecloth."
2
How long something lasts in time.
"The length of the meeting surprised everyone — it ran for three hours."
"Reviewers praised the film despite its length."
3
A piece or section of something long, such as rope, fabric, or pipe.
"He cut a length of rope to tie down the tarpaulin."
"She bought a length of fabric to make curtains."
How to Use Length
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow long something is, whether that's physical distance, time, or a cut piece of material.
Memory tip
The phrase "at length" means either "in great detail" or "eventually" — the meaning depends on context, so watch for it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
full length
at length
a length of rope
go to great lengths
Word Forms
lengthed past tense, lengths plural, lengths singular
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The _____ of the swimming pool is fifty metres.
Etymology
From Old English lengþu, built from "long" plus a suffix used to form abstract nouns — the same pattern that turns "strong" into "strength."