along

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   with a forward motion

   we drove along admiring the view

2. 2
   adv

   in accompaniment or as a companion

   My friends came along to the movies.

3. 3
   adv

   in addition (usually followed by `with')

   we sent them food and some clothing went along in the package

4. 4
   adv

   to a more advanced state

   the work is moving along

5. 5
   adv

   in line with a length or direction (often followed by `by' or `beside')

   pass the word along

6. 6
   prep

   By the length of; in a line with the length of; lengthwise next to.

   Water whished along the boat as we rowed upstream.

7. 7
   prep

   In a line with, with a progressive motion on; onward on; forward on.

   The kine[…]went along the highway.

8. 8
   adv

   In company; together.

   John played the piano and everyone sang along.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₂éntsder. Proto-Germanic *anda- Proto-West Germanic *anda- Old English and- Proto-Indo-European *dlongʰos Proto-Germanic *langaz Proto-West Germanic *lang Old English lang Old English andlang Middle English English along From Middle English, from Old English andlang, from prefix and- + lang (“long”). Doublet of endlong.