Wide may be used instead of long when referring to a left-to-right horizontal dimension, or to a horizontal dimension shorter than that described as long (for example, a river that is wide and long). Definition of LONG in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of LONG. What does LONG mean? Information and translations of LONG in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Long is used in expressions such as all year long, the whole day long, and your whole life long to say and emphasize that something happens for the whole of a particular period of time. The adjective long describes something that stretches over a large distance. If you're trying to avoid a prolonged visit with your crazy Aunt Martha, you might decide to take the long way to her house. Learn what long means with clear definitions, pronunciation, synonyms, and real-world examples. Simple explanations to help you use long correctly. Copy and paste Long Dash Symbol (—). Check Alt Codes and learn how to make specific symbols on the keyboard. long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something. long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain. yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing. hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire. LONG definition: 1. continuing for a large amount of time: 2. being a distance between two points that is more than…. Learn more. Tired of saying long? This list of 100 vivid alternatives adds precision and style to your writing, including a few surprising picks you will want to steal. 1. A long time: This won't take long. 2. Linguistics A long syllable, vowel, or consonant. 3. One who acquires holdings in a security or commodity in expectation of a rise in price.