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

In terms of sheer duration, nothing tops the 1994-95 strike, a 232-day encounter between immovable object and unstoppable force that erased a total of 948 games and led to the cancellation of the World Series. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Relief time The relief time or duration of allergy medicine for seasonal allergies ranges from four to 24 hours. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Sleep duration was also self-reported, which could pose a limitation. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026

The duration of the underlying legal judgment is what really determines your exposure, though. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Mar. 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
• 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