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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Parameters looked at include the type of listing being booked, the duration of the stay, the distance to the listing from the guest’s primary location and if the booking is last minute. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025 Congress later papered over the conflict by voting to give Lincoln the authority for the war’s duration. Molly Redden, ProPublica, 23 May 2025 Researchers also measured participants’ meal duration, number of bites, number of chews, and chewing speed for each test.1 The results showed fairly stark differences across men and women in the study:1 Number of bites. Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 May 2025 Investors don’t really have much love for long duration bonds right now. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for duration

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

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Cite this Entry

“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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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