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.
The critical bulletin issued to pilots and airlines not to fly below 18,000 feet was initially set for 10 days, a duration for a full grounding not used since the 9/11 terror attacks. Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 In midlife, Black women are also more likely to reach menopause at an earlier age and experience a longer duration of symptoms. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 11 Feb. 2026 The shutdown had been expected to create significant disruptions given the duration and the size of the metropolitan area around El Paso. Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Sports scientists recommend that athletes engaging in that kind of high-intensity, long-duration event should be eating around six to 12 grams of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per day. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 14 Feb. 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

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