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

Hiking, biking, horse-riding and swimming, the parks have public amenities just waiting to be used for free, especially during the summer and fall months. — Zuri Primos july 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Strickland said even getting equipment on the road during construction can be difficult for farmers. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026

Spence announced his retirement from boxing during the post-fight interview. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

In the early years, presidents would simply go home during the summer to tend to their gardens and farms. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 July 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