during

preposition

dur·​ing ˈdu̇r-iŋ How to pronounce during (audio)
 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shanahan said the plan was for Pinnock to play big nickel against the Buccaneers but that there weren’t any scenarios for that alignment during the game. Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025 Catch at least one trout, bass, catfish, sunfish and crappie during 2025. Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2025 Indeed, on many occasions, Alarr forcefully touched Plaintiff without her consent during dry blocking of scenes. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025 The concert film will feature appearances from Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, Florence Welch, and more, including close friends and family who supported Swift during the extensive tour. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for during

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of during was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“During.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/during. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

during

preposition
dur·​ing ˌd(y)u̇r-iŋ How to pronounce during (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on during

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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