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

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christopher Wagner sentenced 41-year-old Mortimer to at least 45 years in prison during a hearing on Aug. 8. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025

His approval average during his first term was 41%. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025

The Mass Ave Indy app was born out of a desire to have a digital presence during Summerfest, the district's annual festival during the third weekend in July. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 9 Aug. 2025

The payments would resemble the stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, USA TODAY reported. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 9 Aug. 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