footlong

[ foot-lawng, -long ]

adjective

1. approximately one foot in length:

   Their specialty is footlong hotdogs.

noun

1. something that is approximately one foot in length.

Word History and Origins

Origin of footlong¹

First recorded in 1680–90; foot ( def ) + long ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Subway previously faced a lawsuit alleging its “footlong” sandwiches were too short.

From Salon

A BLT Footlong at Subway has gone from $5.50 to $8.49.

From Seattle Times

Then, a couple of months before spring, each cicada digs a footlong tunnel to the surface and starts to practice its escape—sometimes you can catch them poking their heads out from the ground, peering around at their new world.

From Slate

“I get a $7.99 footlong and have them cut it in threes,” the retiree told me.

From Los Angeles Times

The sandwich chain is officially unveiling its footlong chocolate chip cookie, which will be available nationwide in early 2024.

From Salon

Related Words

• frankfurter
• sausage