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

• amid
• amidst
• by
• over
• pending
• through
• throughout

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

Another strike was averted during a standoff in 2022. —Md Fazlur Rahman, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

Asked about the confrontation during the press conference, Noem initially criticized Padilla’s interruption, according to a livestream. —Nik Popli, Time, 13 June 2025

Tech N9ne’ previously performed during the festival’s early years and even debuted a limited-edition beer called Bou Lou. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, May 20, 2025. —Spencer Kimball,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 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