ENGLISH
REFERENCE

longest

adj. · adv.
US //ˈɫɔŋɡəst// UK //lˈɒŋɡəst// long·est
  1. 1 greatest distance (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    measuring the most from one end to the other.

    having the greatest linear extent in space compared to others in a group.

    Example

    The Nile is often called the longest river in the world.

    Example

    The engineering team spent months designing the longest suspension bridge in the country, ensuring it could withstand high winds and heavy traffic.
  2. 2 greatest time (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    lasting for the most amount of time.

    having the greatest duration or continuing for the most extended period.

    Example

    June 21st is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.

    Example

    The director's cut of the film is the longest version available, featuring thirty minutes of previously unseen footage that clarifies the plot.
    • most enduring
    • lengthiest
  3. 3 for the most time (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    for the most time or the greatest duration.

    for the greatest period of time; used to compare how long different actions or states last.

    Example

    Out of all my friends, Sarah has lived in this city the longest.

    Example

    The patient who had been waiting the longest was finally called into the examination room after three hours of delays.

Origin

long + -est

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026