long haul

American  

[lawng hawl, long] / ˈlɔŋ ˈhɔl, ˈlɒŋ /

noun

1. a relatively long period of time, especially a period of considerable effort or difficulty: In the long haul, he'll regret having been a college dropout.

   We are in this for the long haul and will continue pressing for change wherever we find avenues worth the pursuit.

   In the long haul, he'll regret having been a college dropout.

   It'll be a long haul before anyone can prove that a particular chemical causes this disease.

2. a relatively great distance or journey.

   It's a long haul from Maine to Texas.

3. Nautical. the drawing up on shore of a vessel for a relatively long period of time, as for winter storage or longer.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to travel or transport of freight or passengers over relatively great distances, especially by truck or airplane.

   Air India's first long-haul flight to London was launched on June 8, 1948.

2. Pathology. relating to or being a condition characterized by symptoms or health problems that linger or first appear after supposed recovery from an associated acute illness or active infection: long-haul syndrome.

   long-haul COVID;

   long-haul syndrome.

long haul British  

noun

1. a journey over a long distance, esp one involving the transport of goods

2. a lengthy job

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long haul Idioms  

1. A considerable distance over which something must travel or be carried. For example, It's a long haul from my house to yours . This usage dates from the late 1800s, as does the antonym, short haul , as in The movers charge just as much for a short haul as for a long one .

2. A considerable length of time, an extended period, as in This investment is one for the long haul . It is often put as over the long haul , as in Over the long haul we needn't worry about production . [c. 1930] Also see in the long run .

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Etymology

Origin of long haul

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Redick was asked if James taking some games off for body maintenance during his NBA-record 23rd season was a good thing for the long haul and for a long playoff run.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

"The US isn't going to be involved in a peace process for the long haul," says Soliman.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

So for people watching this moment: we’re in it for the long haul at this point.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

Investors planning for the long haul should proceed with caution.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

I tried to see the overall picture—to remember that over the long haul, she had been a tiny pinpoint of light in the otherwise very dark experience of dealing with Central High’s administration.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals