duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
 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

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 The lengthy flight duration, emotive movie plotlines, and a certain amount of anonymity is a sure-fire way to open the floodgates. Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 That's not stopping some well-heeled tech companies from trying to keep outdoing each other in showing off higher-quality AI video generation at longer durations. Matt O'Brien, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 Work Experience in Accounting Practical experience in accounting can significantly impact study duration. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 While many Antarctica cruises can add up to two weeks duration, Viking Cruises offers a 13-day itinerary that’s ideal for a post-wedding extravaganza. Jillian Dara, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 The duration is around three minutes and 45 seconds. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 The duration of each workshop is about one hour, with the same topics to be discussed at different library locations. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 The duration of the 2024 eclipse is nearly twice that of the 2017 eclipse. Michael Zeiler, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 For the forthcoming April 8 event, the longest duration of total eclipse will be slightly more than four minutes for the parts of Arkansas in the path of totality. Bill Bowden, arkansasonline.com, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'duration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near duration

Cite this Entry

“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

duration

noun
du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
: the time during which something exists or lasts

More from Merriam-Webster on duration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!