long-distance

1 of 3

adjective

long-dis·​tance ˈlȯŋ-ˈdi-stən(t)s 

1

: of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point especially outside a specified area

2

a

: situated a long distance away

b

: going or covering a long distance

long-distance roads

a long-distance runner

c

: conducted or effective over long distance

a long-distance relationship

long-distance listening devices

long-distance

2 of 3

adverb

1

: by long-distance telephone

called her long-distance

2

: over or from a long distance

long distance

3 of 3

noun

1

: communication by long-distance telephone

2

: a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections

Examples of long-distance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Thru-hiking clinics appeal to those dreaming of tackling long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail. —Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026

Ferries may be the only link between islands, long-distance buses remain the backbone of inter-city travel, and weather disruptions can change your plans with little notice. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026

Adverb

Since then, the two have been navigating a long-distance dynamic while balancing busy schedules. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

Producing hydrogen on-site reduces the need for the specialized infrastructure required for long-distance transport and storage, which often limits the use of hydrogen fuel. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

Noun

Somewhere along the line, some birds began migrating long distances to the Arctic to breed, which, on the face of things, seems like a pretty bonkers thing to do. —Kate Wong, Scientific American, 1 May 2026

That hybrid design also reduces wear on joints and improves energy efficiency over long distances. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Adverb

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

long-distance

1 of 3 adjective

long-dis·​tance

-ˈdis-tən(t)s

1

: of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point

2

a

: situated a long distance away

b

: going or covering a long distance

long-distance roads

a long-distance runner

c

: conducted or effective over a long distance

a long-distance relationship

long-distance listening devices

long-distance

2 of 3 adverb

: by long-distance telephone

long distance

3 of 3 noun

1

: communication by long-distance telephone

2

: a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections