[lawng-turm, long-] 
| 1. | covering a relatively long period of time: a long-term lease. |
| 2. | maturing over or after a relatively long period of time: a long-term loan; a long-term bond. |
| 3. | (of a capital gain or loss) derived from the sale or exchange of an asset held for more than a specified time, as six months or one year. |
Long Term
Holding an asset for an extended period of time. Depending on the type of security, a long-term asset can be held for as little as one year or for as long as 30 years or more.
Investopedia Commentary
The media frequently advises people to "invest for the long term", but determining whether or not an investment is long term is very subjective. A day trader, for example, would define "long term" much differently than a buy-and-hold investor, who would consider anything less than several years to be short-term trading.
Related Links
A Long-Term Mindset Meets Dreaded Capital-Gains Tax
Ten Tips For The Successful Long-Term Investor
Reading The Balance Sheet
Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
See also: Buy And Hold, Day Trader, Long-Term Asset, Medium Term, One Night Stand Investment, Short Term, Time Horizon
long-term
Of or relating to a gain or loss in the value of a security that has been held over a specific length of time. Compare short-term 1. See also holding period.
Of or relating to a liability for which a long period of time (usually one year) remains until payment of the face amount comes due. A long-term bond is a long-term liability.