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

These factors include four health behaviors -- diet quality, physical activity, sleep duration and nicotine exposure -- and four health factors, including blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar and blood fat levels. —Dr. Joseph Wendt, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026

That dynamic has left long-duration sovereign debt more exposed to sudden selloffs, particularly when fiscal and trade policy risks flare up. —Yun Li, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026

It isn’t used to shorten the duration of a patient's period. —Ciara Lucas, SELF, 28 Jan. 2026

If that duration is extending with each launch, your organization isn't resisting change. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 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
• 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