duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən 

 also  dyu̇-

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

Synonyms

• continuance
• date
• life
• life span
• lifetime
• run
• standing
• time

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

Depending on the intensity, duration and sequence of those vibrations, sensations such as being tapped, stroked or squeezed can be simulated. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024

Schwab is advising investors to have a duration around that of the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which is about 6.2 years, or even lower. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

Furthermore, there are both socially agreed parameters to judge a successful career (e.g., salary, seniority, occupational prestige, impact, and job satisfaction) and relationships (e.g., duration, fun, kids, grandkids, passion, and meaningful experiences). —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

And without being able to identify which bacteria is sickening the patient and prescribe the appropriate treatment, the duration of the infection — and period in which it can be spread to other people — is prolonged. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see durance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duration

• for the duration

Kids Definition

duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən 

: the time during which something exists or lasts