0 continuing for a large amount of time: --
1 being a distance between two points that is more than average or usual: --
2 used to describe a piece of writing that has a lot of pages or words: --
3 used to mean "(for) a long time", especially in questions and negative sentences: --
long-serving employees
It wasn't long before he was back with his family.
I won't be staying much longer.
I've known her longer than you have.
Don't rush - take as long as you like.
How long have you been in England?
I'm just writing a letter but it won't take long.
Have you been waiting (for) long?
4 used to say that something must happen before something else can happen: --
5 to want something very much: --
I don't mind being woken up once or twice in the middle of the night by my flatmate so long as she doesn't make a habit of it .
I don't foresee any difficulties so long as we keep within budget.
Goods are exchangeable as long as they are returned in good condition.
Windsurfing is perfectly safe as long as you use some common sense.
I do apologize - my train was delayed. I hope you haven't been waiting long.
He's been single so long now, I don't think he'll ever marry.
How long did Queen Victoria reign?