duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən 

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

Synonyms of duration

• time
• lifespan
• lifetime
• life
• continuance
• date

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 Wright brothers’ achievement was not defined by distance or duration, but by method. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

Researchers looked at the effects of heat on several aspects of sleep, such as duration, stages, continuity, and structure. —New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025

Some providers may be able to prescribe medication to reduce the severity and duration of the illness. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Karlan and researchers from Innovation for Poverty Action are monitoring the progress of the participants with data collected throughout the duration of the program, which ends in 2027. —Fatma Tanis, NPR, 13 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duration

• for the duration

Rhymes for duration

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən 

: the time during which something exists or lasts