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

In fact, clinical studies have found that drinking tart cherry juice may improve sleep duration and quality, particularly in older adults and people with insomnia. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 17 Aug. 2026

Its exceptional duration results from near-perfect celestial geometry. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

People could experience long durations of high temperatures with little to no overnight relief from the swelter. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

The company says the system is designed for long-duration surveillance and can operate for more than 90 days. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən 

: the time during which something exists or lasts