na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', adverb, noun
in a long time; after a long while; long-awaited
Used when something happens or is experienced after a long interval. Often carries a nuance of 'it's been a while' or 'long-awaited'. Can function as a noun, na-adjective, no-adjective, or adverb.
See also: 久しぶり
I watched a movie at the theater for the first time in a long while.
I heard from him after a long time.
I'm enjoying a long-awaited vacation.
I watched a movie for the first time in a long while.
I enjoyed my first day off in a long time.