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

Of course, the actuaries had to make many assumptions about unknowables such as average life expectancy or duration of illness over the next 75 years. — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

New Atlas reported that the engineering team is currently developing battery-swapping dock systems which could enable long-duration aerial coverage. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

The congresswoman also observed the first responder vehicles that are regularly called to respond to medical emergencies, including three fire trucks, just during the duration of her visit. — Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2026

In Atlanta and Austin, hundreds of Waymo robotaxis will remain available on Uber through at least May 2028, the duration of their existing contract, Uber said. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 24 July 2026

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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən 

: the time during which something exists or lasts