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 of during

• 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

Layne’s group has pushed county leaders to fund a continuous drug addiction treatment program, expanding access for those who need it both during and after incarceration. —Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Chicago was outscored 22-7 in the first two games of the three-game series and 58-18 during its skid in the Bronx. —CBS News, 19 June 2026

The High Museum of Art is also hosting a Juneteenth event for visitors to tour the art galleries, make art of their own, listen to stories and poetry, laugh with comedians and dance during a Tambor Party. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 19 June 2026

After all, both this year and last year’s bombing of Iran came during a period of talks with US negotiators. —Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

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