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 of during

• 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

The 36-year-old's contributions to the Dodgers becoming baseball's first back-to-back champions in a quarter-century likely won't be forgotten for a long time, and perhaps during contract negotiations, will be a present reminder. —Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025

He is accused of kidnapping activists during the 1998 mass protests that led to Suharto’s downfall. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025

The Heat’s 7-footer totaled just 19 pounds, 19 rebounds and two blocks in 73 minutes during the four-game sweep in his NBA playoff series. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 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