duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən 

also dyu̇-

1

: continuance in time

gradually increase the duration of your workout

2

: the time during which something exists or lasts

were there for the duration of the concert

Synonyms of duration

• time
• lifespan
• lifetime
• life
• continuance
• date

Examples of duration in a Sentence

You should gradually increase the duration of your workout.

for the whole duration of the speech the bored audience fidgeted

Recent Examples on the Web

Phase three introduces permanent infrastructure, enabled by higher cargo capacity from commercial landing systems, with the goal of long-duration habitation modules and systems to support a sustained human presence on the moon. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026

One asset class that has seen some sizable losses would be longer-duration bond funds, said Amy Arnott, portfolio strategist at Morningstar. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

The final phase focuses on long-duration human presence. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026

The duration of his sentence will ultimately be decided by a judge in July. —Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duration

• for the duration

Rhymes for duration

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən 

: the time during which something exists or lasts