duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
 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

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 One of the most common misnomers of football fans and others around the league is that these average annual salaries are going to be spread evenly throughout the duration of a contract. Vincent Frank, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 Several types of insulin work at different speeds and for different durations. Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Additionally, daily exercise improves sleep duration and quality at night. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Israeli officials notified the U.S. that the incursion would be limited in scope, scale and duration. NBC News, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for duration 

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

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near duration

Cite this Entry

“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

duration

noun
du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
: the time during which something exists or lasts

More from Merriam-Webster on duration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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