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

• amid
• amidst
• by
• over
• pending
• through
• throughout

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

Then, during the Civil War, West Virginia became a state by splitting up Virginia, Helmke said. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025

In Gaza City, members of Palestinian Civil Defense teams — who carried out rescue operations in response to near-daily Israeli strikes during the war — poured into the streets to celebrate and climbed on top of ambulances to wave Palestinian flags. —Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

This new milestone means Disney scored a hat trick of $1B worldwide grossers from 2024; the only studio with movies released during the year that crossed the coveted threshold. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2025

Howard also played for the Lakers during the 2012-13, 2019-20, and 2022-22 seasons. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 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

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