long play: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumSemi-formal to informal; common in technical music contexts and metaphorical business/gaming contexts.
Quick answer
What does “long play” mean?
A vinyl record format (LP) that plays at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute, allowing for longer playing time than singles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A vinyl record format (LP) that plays at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute, allowing for longer playing time than singles.
A strategy or action that involves planning and patience for a distant, often substantial, future outcome; an instance of sustained, high-quality performance over a long period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the term for the record format and the metaphorical sense equally.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes a sense of quality, depth (for records), and strategic patience (for the metaphor).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in historical/collector contexts regarding vinyl. The metaphorical sense is equally common in business jargon in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “long play” in a Sentence
[Verb] + long play (e.g., press, release, listen to, consider, view as)[Adjective] + long play (e.g., strategic, patient, classic)long play + [Preposition] + [Noun] (e.g., long play in the market, long play on technology)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long play” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not standard as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- They adopted a long-play approach to urban development.
- It's a long-play investment vehicle.
American English
- His long-play strategy in poker paid off.
- We're looking at long-play market trends.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a strategy focused on long-term growth over immediate profits. 'Our investment in renewables is a ten-year long play.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in media studies or cultural history discussing the impact of the LP format.
Everyday
Primarily used by vinyl enthusiasts or older generations referring to records. 'I found my dad's old long plays in the attic.'
Technical
Precise term in music production/archiving for the 33 1/3 rpm vinyl format, specifying groove dimensions and playing time.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long play”
- Using 'longplay' as one word (standard is hyphenated or two words). Confusing 'long play' (strategy) with 'long game' (identical metaphorical meaning). Using it as a verb ('to longplay') is non-standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it is written as two words ('long play') or hyphenated ('long-play'), especially when used as a compound adjective. 'LP' is the common abbreviated form.
No, it is not standard to use 'long play' as a verb. Use phrases like 'plan for the long term' or 'employ a long-play strategy' instead.
Historically, 'long play' (LP) specified the 33 1/3 rpm vinyl format. 'Album' was the term for a collection of songs on this format. Today, 'album' is format-agnostic (CD, digital, vinyl), while 'long play' is primarily used in vinyl-specific or metaphorical contexts.
It is quite common in business, finance, and gaming journalism to describe patient, strategic planning. It is a recognized piece of professional jargon.
A vinyl record format (LP) that plays at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute, allowing for longer playing time than singles.
Long play is usually semi-formal to informal; common in technical music contexts and metaphorical business/gaming contexts. in register.
Long play: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈpleɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈpleɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a long play, not a quick fix.”
- “He's known for the long play in negotiations.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think LONG time, LONG music: a LONG PLAY record lets you PLAY music for a LONG time, just like a LONG PLAY strategy takes a LONG time to PLAY out.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (extended length/duration), STRATEGY IS A MUSICAL RECORDING (a composed, unfolding experience).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, original meaning of 'long play'?