duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
also dyu̇-
Synonyms of durationnext
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.
Researchers say recent rainfall may have contributed to unusually widespread mushroom growth, but the extended duration and intensity remain unexplained. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 May 2026 The technology could also support missions to Neptune and Triton, long-duration probes studying outer planet moons, and future Kuiper Belt explorers traveling farther than New Horizons. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026 There were some limitations of the study, the researchers noted, including the small sample size and short duration. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 Organizational psychologist Adam Grant has pointed to research showing the frequency of breaks matters more than their duration for cognitive recovery — that even 5-to-10-minute pauses throughout the day measurably help. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 May 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 20 May. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on duration

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster