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

See Examples For:

long haul

“I think Marathon — just as a brand, as a concept — was created by Hussle and it was just the long haul for any lifestyle,” his brother Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

That’s apparently for the long haul: During their most recent earnings call, Micron executives informed shareholders that they expect the global memory crunch to last through 2027.

From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026

If the fund charged such fees only on realized gains, that would reward departing investors at the expense of those who stay for the long haul, assuming the paper gains eventually turn into real money.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

Some airlines announced fare hikes, particularly for long haul flights, but there was also evidence of European airlines cutting fares to try to overcome customer "hesitancy".

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

With less than four liters between us and the day already warm, the long haul between water sources promised to be at the very least uncomfortable.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson