during

preposition

dur·​ing ˈdu̇r-iŋ 

 also  ˈdyu̇r-

1

: throughout the duration of

swims every day during the summer

2

: at a point in the course of

was offered a job during a visit to the capital

Synonyms

• throughout
• by

Examples of during in a Sentence

She swims every day during the summer.

We got along well during the trip.

He worked in the field during most of the day.

During the interview, they asked about my previous jobs.

The fire alarm went off during the ceremony.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lewis said during Monday’s midday press conference that there were plans in the works to again get tickets distributed. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025

Her love for journalism began with taking freelance sports photos for her local newspaper, The Fulton Sun, during high school, and her involvement with multiple school publications. —Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025

For its part, the stock market has defied financial fears during recent government shutdowns. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025

Johnson commented about the matter this year during his Senate confirmation hearing. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from present participle of duren to last, from Anglo-French durer, from Latin durare to harden, endure, last, from durus hard; perhaps akin to Sanskrit dāru wood — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for during

• curing
• luring
• mooring
• touring
• alluring
• assuring
• contouring
• enduring
• ensuring
• insuring
• manuring
• maturing

Kids Definition

during

preposition

dur·​ing ˌd(y)u̇r-iŋ 

1

: throughout the course of

swims every day during the summer

2

: at some time in the course of

you may call me during the day