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

In comparison, the typical duration on high-yield bonds is around five to seven years, Glassman noted. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024

Though the meteor shower doesn’t last long, the Quadrantids make up for their short duration by producing fireballs. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

Maximize your savings: Best high-yield savings accounts The average duration of unemployment in November was 23.7 weeks, the longest since April 2022, and has climbed steadily in recent months from fewer than 20 weeks in April. —Dan Burns, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024

But the parties remain far apart on both the degree and duration of the remedy. —Paresh Dave, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duration

• for the duration

Kids Definition

duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən 

: the time during which something exists or lasts