long haul

American  

[lawng hawl, long] / ˈlɔŋ ˈhɔl, ˈlɒŋ /

noun

1. a relatively long period of time, especially a period of considerable effort or difficulty: In the long haul, he'll regret having been a college dropout.

   We are in this for the long haul and will continue pressing for change wherever we find avenues worth the pursuit.

   In the long haul, he'll regret having been a college dropout.

   It'll be a long haul before anyone can prove that a particular chemical causes this disease.

2. a relatively great distance or journey.

   It's a long haul from Maine to Texas.

3. Nautical. the drawing up on shore of a vessel for a relatively long period of time, as for winter storage or longer.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to travel or transport of freight or passengers over relatively great distances, especially by truck or airplane.

   Air India's first long-haul flight to London was launched on June 8, 1948.

2. Pathology. relating to or being a condition characterized by symptoms or health problems that linger or first appear after supposed recovery from an associated acute illness or active infection: long-haul syndrome.

   long-haul COVID;

   long-haul syndrome.

long haul British  

noun

1. a journey over a long distance, esp one involving the transport of goods

2. a lengthy job

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long haul Idioms  

1. A considerable distance over which something must travel or be carried. For example, It's a long haul from my house to yours . This usage dates from the late 1800s, as does the antonym, short haul , as in The movers charge just as much for a short haul as for a long one .

2. A considerable length of time, an extended period, as in This investment is one for the long haul . It is often put as over the long haul , as in Over the long haul we needn't worry about production . [c. 1930] Also see in the long run .

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Etymology

Origin of long haul

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Redick was asked if James taking some games off for body maintenance during his NBA-record 23rd season was a good thing for the long haul and for a long playoff run.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

This is going to be a series, and if you want to make sense of it you’ll need to stay in for the long haul.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

He has not been one for the long haul since spending five years in charge at Mainz 05 between 2009 and 2014.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Air Force officers were still arguing they needed 2,000 ICBMs over the long haul.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

Then I was a trucker, doing a long haul across the world.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir