livelong

[ liv-lawng, -long ]

adjective

1. (of time) whole or entire, especially when tediously long, slow in passing, etc.:

   We picked apples the livelong day.

livelong

/ ˈlɪvˌlɒŋ /

adjective

1. (of time) long or seemingly long, esp in a tedious way (esp in the phrase all the livelong day )
2. whole; entire

noun

1. See orpine
   another name for orpine

Word History and Origins

Origin of livelong¹

1350–1400; alteration (by association with live ¹ ) of earlier leeve long, Middle English leve longe dear long. See lief, long ¹

Example Sentences

Small wonder, when hundreds and hundreds wrought the livelong day one half in icy water, the other half dripping with sweat.

From Project Gutenberg

And thereupon they passed their time right joyously together, drinking and hunting the livelong day.

From Project Gutenberg

Young and old, and the women in particular, were quite bewitched by these ballads, which might be heard the livelong day.

From Project Gutenberg

Many a time did he lie down at night without having tasted food during the whole livelong day.

From Project Gutenberg

Father is pretty well, and I have not a single excuse for discontent through the livelong day.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constant
• continuing
• deep-rooted
• enduring
• inveterate
• long-lasting
• permanent
• persistent