during

preposition

dur·​ing ˈdu̇r-iŋ 

 also  ˈdyu̇r-

1

: throughout the duration of

swims every day during the summer

2

: at a point in the course of

was offered a job during a visit to the capital

Synonyms

• amid
• amidst
• by
• over
• pending
• through
• throughout

Examples of during in a Sentence

She swims every day during the summer.

We got along well during the trip.

He worked in the field during most of the day.

During the interview, they asked about my previous jobs.

The fire alarm went off during the ceremony.

Recent Examples on the Web

Howard also played for the Lakers during the 2012-13, 2019-20, and 2022-22 seasons. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

Advertisement California Cops lie to suspects during interrogations. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025

For instance, an online retailer employing this system can identify a frustrated customer through sentiment analysis during a live chat and promptly escalate their query to a human representative, improving resolution rates and customer satisfaction. —Praveen Gujar, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Iranian government officials have long wanted revenge for the death of one of the regime’s generals, Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad on Jan. 3, 2020, during Trump’s first term in office. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from present participle of duren to last, from Anglo-French durer, from Latin durare to harden, endure, last, from durus hard; perhaps akin to Sanskrit dāru wood — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

during

preposition

dur·​ing ˌd(y)u̇r-iŋ 

1

: throughout the course of

swims every day during the summer

2

: at some time in the course of

you may call me during the day