length Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
- the length of the table was 5 feet
noun continuance in time
duration.
- the ceremony was of short duration
- he complained about the length of time required
noun the property of being the extent of something from beginning to end
- the editor limited the length of my article to 500 words
noun size of the gap between two places
distance.
- the distance from New York to Chicago
- he determined the length of the shortest line segment joining the two points
noun a section of something that is long and narrow
- a length of timber
- a length of tubing

OE. lengthe, AS. leng, fr. land, long, long; akin to D. lengte, Dan. længde, Sw. längd, Icel. lengd. See Long, a.

The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a rope or line.
A portion of space or of time considered as measured by its length; -- often in the plural.
Large lengths of seas and shores. Shak.

The future but a length behind the past. Dryden.
The quality or state of being long, in space or time; extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for the length of their wings; he was tired by the length of the sermon, and the length of his walk.
A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence.
Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to pursue a subject to a great length.
May Heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss. With length of days and every day like this. Dryden.
Distance.Obs.
He had marched to the length of Exeter. Clarendon.