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

• continuance
• date
• life
• life span
• lifetime
• run
• standing
• time

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

Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan to achieve your health goals with the proper type of collagen product supplement, dosage, and treatment duration. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025

Studies show that exercise alone, especially when performed for longer durations, can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in aerobic fitness and muscle tone. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025

Astra’s Nova Pulse stun duration is being reduced by 0.5 seconds, going from 4 seconds to 3.5 seconds. —Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Sleep duration and quality are critical to brain health — not just for rest but also for brain development during adolescence, memory consolidation, emotional processing, and waste clearance. —Dr. Baibing Chen, Contributor, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025

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