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DictionaryfurlongDistance unit
noun

furlong

FUR-lawng/ˈfɜːrlɔːŋ/

A unit of distance equal to one-eighth of a mile.

The first furlong spans one of eight equal stretches along the mile-long path.

A measured mile of straight path divided into eight equal stretches by distance posts, with the first stretch visually emphasized between markers reading “0” and “⅛ mi.” The far endpoint reads “1 mi.”.
Etymology
furOld Englishfurrow
+longOld Englishlong

Originally a furlong was the length of a furrow in a common field. That agricultural measure became fixed at 40 rods, or one-eighth of an English mile.

In context

MondeTar6:26
As they come back to the two furlong marker it is Ecstatic and Concorde Hero.
Barbados Cockspur/Sandy Lane Gold Cups 1982/1999

More examples

  • A furlong equals 220 yards.
  • The race covers six furlongs.
  • The finish line is less than a furlong away.

Forms

furlong · furlongs

Similar words

mile
A larger distance unit equal to eight furlongs.
yard
A smaller distance unit; 220 yards equal one furlong.