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

• 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

Each rainfall event extends the duration of flood impacts. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Consider the flowering period duration when choosing a date. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025

The Reebok Smart Ring tracks heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen level, steps, stress and sleep duration and stages to provide insights on overall wellness and how to enhance performance. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

Smart Task Dependencies automatically adjust related tasks when dates or durations change, and the lightweight, fluid design eliminates much of the complexity typically associated with project management software. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

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