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

Special high-flow racing cylinder heads feature CNC porting, competition valves, springs, seats and keepers designed to work with new high-lift/duration cams. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Its exact duration — which, by most accounts, lasted July 13 to July 20 — is still somewhat difficult to settle on, partly because of dead Chicagoans found in homes and hotels after the heat declined to the low 90s. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026

For a duration of three years, the AI surge left Qualcomm in the shadows. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The application costs between $100 and $310 (depending on the country of origin and the duration of the visa) and requires applicants to work in industries such as education or biotechnology, among other specific requirements. — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 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