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

Forever Young is a globe-trotting race horse that has displayed immense potential during his three years of competition. —Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

The prison is where people charged with a crime are held prior to and during court proceedings. —Scott MacFarlane 6, CBS News, 6 July 2025

Unless it is done to protect the rhizomes against frost heave due to freeze-and-thaw cycles during the winter, don't mulch irises. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025

Nearly 11,000 lawsuits were filed under the Child Victims Act in New York during its two-year span. —Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 6 July 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