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

If possible, use a smart plug or timer to program the grow light for the proper duration. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026

Treat bitcoin as long-duration monetary optionality. —Georgii Verbitskii, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The firm favors investment-grade bonds with maturities of three to seven years, which have yields close to the 10-year Treasury but with much less duration risk. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026

The maximum duration of totality will be 3 minutes, 44 seconds. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 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