Word
lengthwise
Phoneticslength·wise, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɛŋθˌwaɪz/
UK/lˈɛŋθwaɪz/
Definition
adj. along the long direction of something, from one end to the other, not across the short side.
adj. extending along the long dimension of an object rather than across its width. Typically describes cuts, folds, or divisions.
Examples
“She cuts the paper lengthwise to make two strips.”
“He folds the blanket lengthwise before he lays it across the foot of the bed.”
“The carpenter marks a lengthwise line down the centre of the board to guide a straight cut along the grain.”
Examples
simple
“She cuts the paper lengthwise to make two strips.”
contextual
“He folds the blanket lengthwise before he lays it across the foot of the bed.”
complex
“The carpenter marks a lengthwise line down the centre of the board to guide a straight cut along the grain.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lengthwise” in context.
Verb
01. slice lengthwise
“Slice the courgette lengthwise for even grilling.”
verb + adv
02. split lengthwise
“Split the bamboo lengthwise to make strong strips.”
verb + adv
03. tear lengthwise
“Tear the fabric lengthwise to avoid uneven edges.”
verb + adv
Adjective
04. lengthwise cut
“Make a clean lengthwise cut through the centre of the melon.”
adj + noun
05. lengthwise fold
“Make a sharp lengthwise fold to divide the paper evenly.”
adj + noun
06. lengthwise seam
“Sew a strong lengthwise seam to join the two panels.”
adj + noun
07. lengthwise stripe
“The shirt has a thin lengthwise stripe running down the front.”
adj + noun
08. cut in half lengthwise
“Cut the melon in half lengthwise before removing the seeds.”
09. fold the paper lengthwise
“Fold the paper in half lengthwise to make a sharp crease.”
10. slice the avocado lengthwise
“Slice the avocado lengthwise and twist to separate the halves.”
11. split the log lengthwise
“Split the log lengthwise for firewood.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Above, one of Gabriel Orozco’s best known works: a Citroën DS that the conceptual artist cut lengthwise into three separate sections, removing the middle section, and put back together.” “One tooth, an incisor from the front of the lower jaw, had been split lengthwise, with only half remaining, while the surrounding teeth had been rotated inward.” “Back in the lab, we sliced the coral cores lengthwise into slabs and used a drill to extract powdered samples, each representing about one month's growth, along a path from youngest to oldest.” “Blue denim typically has two different yarns — warps (lengthwise yarns), which are typically dyed indigo, and wefts (crosswise yarns), which are typically left uncolored (or white-ish), Zoe says.” Etymology
From length + -wise.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/lengthwise