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

The war’s impact on inflation depends on its severity and duration as well as the magnitude of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow corridor through which one in five barrels of oil around the world flow. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026

While this design choice might seem inconvenient for prolonged use, a light press suffices, and most users will likely engage the stabilization for short durations. —Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026

The overall economic impact of the war will likely depend on the duration and intensity of the fighting, economists told ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

The duration of the war will depend, in part, on Iran’s ability to resist and defend its remaining capabilities. —Los Angeles Times, 3 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