# longest

/ˈɫɔŋɡəst/ (US) · /lˈɒŋɡəst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/longest
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. greatest distance

adjective · CEFR A1

measuring the most from one end to the other.

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

- The Nile is often called the longest river in the world.
- The engineering team spent months designing the longest suspension bridge in the country, ensuring it could withstand high winds and heavy traffic.

### 2. greatest time

adjective · CEFR A1

lasting for the most amount of time.

For teachers: having the greatest duration or continuing for the most extended period.

- June 21st is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.
- The director's cut of the film is the longest version available, featuring thirty minutes of previously unseen footage that clarifies the plot.

### 3. for the most time

adverb · CEFR A2

for the most time or the greatest duration.

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

- Out of all my friends, Sarah has lived in this city the longest.
- The patient who had been waiting the longest was finally called into the examination room after three hours of delays.

## Examples

- The Nile is the longest river in the world.
- The longest day of the year occurs in June for people living in the northern hemisphere.
- While the shortest route appeared more efficient on the map, the longest path actually saved time by avoiding the heavy congestion of the city center.

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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.