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.
But production of long-range craft has increased in tandem.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
Fire Point, one of several companies that make long-range UAVs, is aiming to produce 300 of its FP-1 drones a day, around eight times more than last year.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
It has rapidly developed its mid-and long-range drone capabilities and is now offering advice and expertise to allies around the world.
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026
But there are signs that long-range Ukrainian strikes – particularly on Russian oil facilities – are increasing the pressure on the Russian economy.
From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026
“They sometimes put trackers on the long-range boards,” Shay said.
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.
