long-range
Americanadjective
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considering or extending into the future.
a long-range outlook; long-range plans.
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designed to cover or operate over a long distance.
long-range rockets.
adjective
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of or extending into the future
a long-range weather forecast
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(of vehicles, aircraft, etc) capable of covering great distances without refuelling
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(of weapons) made to be fired at a distant target
Etymology
Origin of long-range
First recorded in 1865–70
Explanation
Something long-range has a long reach or can be used over long distances. A long-range missile is a weapon that travels a long way before it explodes. Long-range aircraft can travel for many miles, and the long-range travel of many migratory birds spans nearly as large a distance. You can also use the adjective long-range to describe a large span of time, rather than distance: "My long-range plans include running for President when I'm in my fifties or sixties."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Covenant, a Washington, D.C.-based defense technology startup building long-range precision strike weapons, emerged from stealth with $250 million in funding across three rounds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Ciganda continued her fine form from Friday, holing two long-range putts on the front nine to put the European pairing in the box seat.
From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026
The article—by reporters Jonathan Swan, Adam Entous, and Maggie Haberman—adds that those commanders are alarmed by how much the war has depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles, including long-range missiles and interceptors to thwart air attacks.
From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2026
Keep an eye on the monthly outlook for our latest thoughts on the long-range forecast beyond that.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
Shay’s long-range hoverboard was thicker, and glimmered with the facets of solar cells.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
