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

Aside from its brightness, everything else about the BOAT fits the model of a typical long-duration GRB. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

The answer, according to etiquette expert and author Elaine Swann, was a matter of duration, in part. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Luxor, Egypt Luxor, in southern Egypt, will enjoy the longest duration of totality during the solar eclipse that will blot out the sun in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Africa on August 2. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Whole Goldman may be more optimistic, the bank continues to carry an overweight recommendation for cash, and is underweight credit and neutral duration. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Oct. 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