What does longtime mean?
Longtime is an adjective describing something that has existed, continued, or been associated with someone or something for a long time. It is particularly common before nouns referring to people and relationships, as in “a longtime friend,” “a longtime employee,” or “a longtime supporter.” In this attributive use, it is fully standard in both British and American English. Longtime can also function as an informal adverb meaning “for a long time,” especially in North American speech: “They had longtime known that the situation was serious.” That construction sounds conversational, while “had known for a long time” is more suitable for formal writing. The word should not be confused with the noun phrase “a long time,” which refers to a lengthy duration rather than serving as a modifier of a following noun.
Existing, established, or continuing for a long time, especially when placed directly before a noun.
"The club has a longstanding tradition of supporting local musicians."
This is the standard and most common use. It is especially frequent before nouns denoting people, occupations, relationships, and affiliations.
For a long time.
"She had longtime admired the architecture of the old city."
This use is informal and particularly common in North American English. In formal contexts, “for a long time” is preferred.
Say “longtime friend” before a noun, but “a long time” when the duration itself is the thing being described.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does longtime come from?
Longtime was formed in English by combining “long” with “time,” following the established pattern of compound words that specify duration. The combination developed into both an attributive adjective and an informal adverb. Its elements belong to the familiar English word “time,” which also underlies forms such as “timer,” “timely,” and “timetable.”
Related word forms
How longtime is actually used
As an adjective, “longtime” is especially common before a person, role, or relationship: “a longtime teacher,” “a longtime supporter.” The adverbial use is informal and occurs particularly in North American English; formal writing usually prefers “for a long time.”
Easily confused with longtime
“Longtime” is normally used directly before a noun, as in “a longtime friend,” while “long time” is a noun phrase meaning a lengthy duration, as in “we waited for a long time.”
“Lifetime” refers to the duration of a person's life or the existence of a particular thing, whereas “longtime” generally means that something has continued for a long time.