Definition of duration
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
From the M-W Editors
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 of duration from the Web
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For example, exercise twice a week for the duration of the summer — and stick to the goal.
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Whether Bohannon remains with the program for the duration of its postseason run should Auburn advance past the regional round remains to be seen.
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The Quiet Power Behind the President Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 0:00 Loaded:
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The two sides didn’t elaborate, except to say there will be a news blackout for the duration of the talks.
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Play Video Play Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 0:00 Loaded:
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One of the oddities of World War I was that for most of its duration, from August 1914 until April 1917, American reporters were from a neutral country, and so able to cover the fighting from both sides.
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Then, the employer gets a motivated student with a one-on-one job coach for the duration of the program.
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The typical NASCAR event might have 10 or more pit stops (Sunday’s race may have considerably more because of the circuit-high 600-mile duration).
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'duration'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of duration
see durance
First Known Use: 14th century
DURATION Defined for English Language Learners
duration
playDefinition of duration for English Language Learners
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: the length of time that something exists or lasts
DURATION Defined for Kids
duration
playDefinition of duration for Students
: the time during which something exists or lasts The illness is of short duration.
Learn More about duration
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See words that rhyme with duration Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for duration Spanish Central: Translation of duration Nglish: Translation of duration for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of duration for Arabic speakers
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