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
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
Potential Risks of a Rice Water Rinse Though rice water is considered safe for all hair types, frequency and duration of use should be adjusted for weak and damaged hair.
—
Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2023
Much will depend on the duration of the campaign in Gaza, and whether Israel achieves its ambitious goals of eliminating Hamas as a military and governing force in the territory, and recovering some 240 hostages.
—Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Nov. 2023
The same trend emerged following the Season 10 finale in May 2023, with podcast streams spiking after online searches for the topic peaked, extending the duration of the conversation well beyond the date of the season finale.
—Josh Taylor, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023
This can take anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, the duration of drinking, individual health, and whether the person has developed a dependence on alcohol.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
Ideally, the flight will go into space and reach full duration, a 90-minute trip around the world that will end with a reentry and splashdown of the Starship upper stage in the Pacific Ocean northwest of Hawaii.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023
Corrections that appeared in print on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.
NATIONAL
An article on Saturday about a temporary lift of the gag order imposed on former President Donald J. Trump referred incorrectly to the duration that a gag order imposed on Mr. Trump will be paused.
—New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023
The problem of people monopolizing spaces for extended periods can be addressed by signage postings limiting parking duration.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2023
In their report, Zillow designed a dashboard to see how factors such as down payment percentages and interest payments affect breakeven durations.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2023
See More
Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2023
Much will depend on the duration of the campaign in Gaza, and whether Israel achieves its ambitious goals of eliminating Hamas as a military and governing force in the territory, and recovering some 240 hostages.
—Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Nov. 2023
The same trend emerged following the Season 10 finale in May 2023, with podcast streams spiking after online searches for the topic peaked, extending the duration of the conversation well beyond the date of the season finale.
—Josh Taylor, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023
This can take anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, the duration of drinking, individual health, and whether the person has developed a dependence on alcohol.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
Ideally, the flight will go into space and reach full duration, a 90-minute trip around the world that will end with a reentry and splashdown of the Starship upper stage in the Pacific Ocean northwest of Hawaii.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023
Corrections that appeared in print on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.
NATIONAL
An article on Saturday about a temporary lift of the gag order imposed on former President Donald J. Trump referred incorrectly to the duration that a gag order imposed on Mr. Trump will be paused.
—New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023
The problem of people monopolizing spaces for extended periods can be addressed by signage postings limiting parking duration.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2023
In their report, Zillow designed a dashboard to see how factors such as down payment percentages and interest payments affect breakeven durations.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'duration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing duration
Dictionary Entries Near duration
Cite this Entry
“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
duration
noun
du·ra·tion
d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən
: the time during which something exists or lasts
More from Merriam-Webster on duration
Nglish: Translation of duration for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of duration for Arabic Speakers
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