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

Both spacecraft serve as lifeboats during a crew's long-duration space station stay. —William Harwood, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

The golden visa will be granted for one year but can be renewed every other year for the five-year duration, provided the applicant meets certain requirements. —Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Not Paying Attention to Sleep Hygiene Sleep hygiene can improve your sleep duration and quality. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026

These wildfires are increasing in severity and duration. —Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 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