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

• throughout
• by

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

Any drought conditions experienced during the late spring or summer can delay peak foliage and mute the colors. —Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025

All perfumes pull a disappearing act at some point during the day, but Coty has figured out a way to make their fragrances less fleeting. —Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

The Southeast and mid-Atlantic also tend to see higher-than-average temperatures during a La Niña winter. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

Travelers heading there this fall will likely see peak foliage colors during the third week of October. —Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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

Rhymes for during

• curing
• luring
• mooring
• touring
• alluring
• assuring
• contouring
• enduring
• ensuring
• insuring
• manuring
• maturing

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