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

Under the new rules, young graduates — in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM — no longer need backing from a local employer and can enjoy more flexibility in terms for entry frequency and duration of stay. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025

On average, shutdowns last about eight days, but the duration could be less or more, depending on how quickly Congress can reach an agreement on funding legislation. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025

While all of the Isak fee will be banked in 2025-26 accounts, the money paid for Woltemade and Wissa is amortised equally over the duration of their respective contracts. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

The findings on the effect of treatment duration and age on berberine efficacy are conflicting. —Trang Tran, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 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