extended

American  

[ik-sten-did] / ɪkˈstɛn dɪd /

adjective

1. stretched out.

   extended wires.

2. continued or prolonged.

   extended efforts.

3. spread out.

   extended flags.

4. widespread or extensive; having extension or spatial magnitude.

   extended treatment of a subject.

5. outstretched.

   extended arms.

6. Printing. expanded.

7. of or relating to a meaning of a word other than its original or primary meaning.

   an extended sense.

8. Manège.

   1. (of a moving horse) noting an elongated pose in which the legs reach out from the body, the chin is out from the chest, etc.

   2. (of the gait of a horse) characterized by long, low, usually fast strides.

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extended British  

/ ɪkˈstɛndɪd /

adjective

1. stretched out in time, space, influence, application, etc

2. (of a horse's pace) free-moving and with long steps

   an extended trot

3. printing another word for expanded

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Other Word Forms

• extendedly adverb
• extendedness noun
• nonextended adjective
• unextended adjective
• unextendedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of extended

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; extend + -ed ²

Explanation

Something that is extended has been fully stretched out or elongated. An extended period of time is an extremely long period of time. To extend something is to make it longer, either physically or in terms of time. Anything extended has been stretched out in this way. An extended rubber band will snap back or break. An extended hose can be used to put out a fire. If you live with your parents in your twenties, it's like an extended childhood.

Example Sentences

Broadberry’s research into blockades shows successful ones continued for an extended period because they take time to have an impact and were accompanied by other pressure, like military force.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Winger Anthony Gordon was even handed an extended run through the middle ahead of Wissa before Osula got his chance.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Shares ended Wednesday’s session up 14% and extended the rally on Thursday, advancing 8.5%.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

This makes it the largest real-world investigation to date focused on how safe these treatments are over extended periods.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

The living room extended into the kitchen area to his left.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• continued
• drawn-out
• lengthy
• protracted