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 new system aligns with that of Shorts, where views include the number of times a video starts to play or replay, regardless of duration. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Recently, bond prices have been falling and yields have been rising, especially for Treasuries of longer duration. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

Buy long bonds and the Fed is pulling duration out of the market, which is debt management, historically Treasury’s work. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The duration of the MIP depends partly on the down payment amount. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 22 Aug. 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