# lengthening

/ˈɫɛŋkθənɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈɛŋθənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lengthening
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the act of making something longer or the state of being longer. You use this when you talk about a physical object or a period of time getting bigger.

For teachers: the process of increasing the physical dimensions of an object or the duration of a period. Often used in technical contexts to describe structural changes or in temporal contexts to describe the extension of a timeline.

## Examples

- The lengthening of the shadows signaled the end of the day.
- The lengthening of the bridge required the construction of several new support pillars to ensure stability.
- The lengthening of the winter season in recent decades has significantly impacted the local ecosystem, forcing migratory birds to adjust their traditional flight patterns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.