duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
also dyu̇-
Synonyms of duration
1
: continuance in time
gradually increase the duration of your workout
2
: the time during which something exists or lasts
were there for the duration of the concert

Examples of duration in a Sentence

You should gradually increase the duration of your workout. for the whole duration of the speech the bored audience fidgeted
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.
As with any drug, results will vary; while median survival for pancreatic cancer that has spread doubles, individual results may deliver longer or shorter duration. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 The work zone includes up to three long-term lane closures on I-91 southbound through the duration of the project and will be done in three stages. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026 For most places in the path, totality will last less than two minutes, with the maximum duration off the coast of Iceland around 2 minutes 18 seconds. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 That’s enough to make M72 the longest tour, in terms of duration, of Metallica’s career. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for duration

Word History

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

duration

noun
du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
: the time during which something exists or lasts

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