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furlong

noun
fur·​long | \ ˈfər-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce furlong (audio) \

Definition of furlong

: a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201 meters)
Furlong Has Old English Roots Example Sentences Learn More about furlong

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Furlong Has Old English Roots

Furlong is an English original and can be traced back to Old English "furlang," a combination of the noun "furh" ("furrow") and the adjective "lang" ("long"). Though now standardized as a length of 220 yards (or 1/8th of a mile), the furlong was originally defined less precisely as the length of a furrow in a cultivated field. This length was equal to the long side of an acre-an area originally defined as the amount of arable land that could be plowed by a yoke of oxen in a day, but later standardized as an area measuring 220 yards (one furlong) by 22 yards, and now defined as any area measuring 4,840 square yards. In contemporary usage, "furlong" is often encountered in references to horse racing.

Examples of furlong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Big Races review Saratoga (3): Grade 3 $150,000 Sanford Stakes, 2-year-olds, 6 furlongs. — John Cherwa, latimes.com, "Racing! Game Winner is back in winning form," 14 July 2019 This will be his first start at 10 furlongs for trainer Rodolfe Brisset. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Pacific Classic at Del Mar features wide-open field," 13 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'furlong.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of furlong

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for furlong

Middle English, from Old English furlang, from furh furrow + lang long

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More Definitions for furlong

furlong

noun
How to pronounce furlong (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of furlong

: a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201.2 meters) or ¹/₈ of a mile

See the full definition for furlong in the English Language Learners Dictionary

furlong

noun
fur·​long | \ ˈfər-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce furlong (audio) \

Kids Definition of furlong

: a unit of length equal to 220 yards (about 201 meters)

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More from Merriam-Webster on furlong

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with furlong

Spanish Central: Translation of furlong

Nglish: Translation of furlong for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of furlong for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about furlong

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