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

At the same time, the mission will test flight controllers and procedures needed to safely send astronauts back to the moon for long-duration stays as NASA makes plans for a future moon base. —William Harwood, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

So if necessary, Hall recommends scaling back the duration and intensity of your workouts to help prevent overfatigue. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 1 Apr. 2026

That would be slightly longer than the four- to six-week duration the White House originally offered when the war began 32 days ago. —Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026

Real-time mission coverage will continue on YouTube throughout its duration, including live conversations with the crew. —Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 31 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