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

Katie Holmes wore an even funkier take on the style last fall, and Naomi Watts broke out a pair during a date night of her own just last month. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. —Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

The whole family was also featured on the jumbotron during the championship match, according to a video from the event. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

By eliminating biases during development, ensuring robust privacy protection, and optimizing for environmental as well as economic metrics, organizations can avoid regulatory sanctions, litigation risks, and reputation damage. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 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