Longtime

Longtime is an English adjective used to indicate duration, typically describing something that has existed or continued for a long period. It is most commonly employed before a noun to emphasize tenure, continuity, or duration, as in longtime friend, longtime resident, or longtime supporters of a cause.

Etymology and form: Longtime is formed from the elements long and time. In modern usage it is usually written as a single word. Some older or more formal texts may hyphenate it as long-time, but the one-word form is standard in contemporary American English. When describing duration in general rather than a specific relationship, speakers often prefer the two-word phrase for a long time, as in “for a long time.”

Usage and nuance: Longtime often conveys familiarity, loyalty, or sustained involvement. It can refer to people, organizations, traditions, or objects, signaling an extended period of association or endurance. It is distinct from similar terms such as long-standing, which emphasizes established duration or tradition, and long-term, which refers to duration with a forward-looking or planning sense.

Regional and stylistic notes: American English tends to favor longtime as a straightforward attributive adjective. In some British contexts, long-time or hyphenated variants may appear, though usage varies by publication.

See also: long-standing, long-term, for a long time.