noun

furlong

FUR-long

Furlong (noun) means a unit of distance equal to one-eighth of a mile (about 201 meters), used mainly in horse racing and farmland measurement. Example: “The final furlong of the race saw the two horses neck and neck.”

noun

A unit of distance equal to one-eighth of a mile (about 201 meters), used mainly in horse racing and farmland measurement.

"The final furlong of the race saw the two horses neck and neck."

How to use furlong

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA distance measurement (one-eighth of a mile) mostly kept alive today in horse racing commentary.

Common pairings

final furlong a furlong from the finish

Word forms

furlongs plural, furlong plural, Furlongs plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The final _____ of the race saw the two horses neck and neck.

Etymology

From Old English furlang, a compound of furh ("furrow") and lang ("long") — originally the standard length of a plowed furrow.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “furlong” mean?

The word “furlong” means a unit of distance equal to one-eighth of a mile (about 201 meters), used mainly in horse racing and farmland measurement. In plain terms, a distance measurement (one-eighth of a mile) mostly kept alive today in horse racing commentary.

How do you pronounce “furlong”?

“Furlong” is pronounced FUR-long (/ˈfɝˌlɔŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “furlong” in a sentence?

Here is “furlong” used in a sentence: “The final furlong of the race saw the two horses neck and neck.”

What part of speech is “furlong”?

“Furlong” is a noun.

Where does the word “furlong” come from?

The word “furlong” comes from Old English. From Old English furlang, a compound of furh ("furrow") and lang ("long") — originally the standard length of a plowed furrow.