during

preposition

dur·​ing ˈdu̇r-iŋ How to pronounce during (audio)
 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

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
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.
Magda Teter Jewish Middlemen, Archival Myopia The story of two Jewish trading families during the last decades of the Regency of Algiers is skewed by being told through the perspectives of only European and American actors. Erin Maglaque, The New York Review of Books, 15 Nov. 2024 But that’s not to say Mars necessarily hosted vast oceans and rivers—or at least not during that era. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024 Water Sources Deer drink water year-round, but bucks get especially thirsty during the rut. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024 Here’s what transpired during my experiment with internet friend dating. Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for during 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near during

Cite this Entry

“During.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/during. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

during

preposition
dur·​ing ˌd(y)u̇r-iŋ How to pronounce during (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on during

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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