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

The number of enrollees grew during the COVID-19 pandemic when enhanced subsidies became available through the American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act, both signed into law by President Biden. — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

That allowed the Dolphins to limit Maye’s ability to not just make off-schedule throws but really throw the ball downfield at a high clip during the first two quarters. — Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026

Matt Araiza punted and during the commercial break, Reid gave the officials an earful for re-spotting the ball so late, CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson reported. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

The company also wants the robot to maintain eye contact during interactions and communicate its operating state. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 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