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.
And during those same years, some of the most important works in the history of Iranian cinema were made—including Oscar nominated films. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 May 2025 Racing scenes were shot on actual Formula 1 circuits during grand prix weekends. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 May 2025 International trade, trade barriers and tariffs were part of the first question posed to the Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO, 94, during a Saturday morning question-and-answer session. Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 May 2025 His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, chose his papal name to show his commitment to peace and reconciliation by honoring St. Benedict and Pope Benedict XV, who was head of the church during World War I, Temple said. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 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 10 May. 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

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