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

Within equities, balance-sheet quality and duration still matter. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025

This enables submarines to remain submerged, accurate, and hidden for a longer duration, according to a press release. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025

This duration is the sweet spot that is long enough to be effective, but short enough to be realistic for a tired parent's schedule. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Oct. 2025

Each season thus far has been six episodes, with those episodes usually averaging 45 minutes, durations that have yet to feel too long or too short. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 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