duration

noun

du·​ra·​tion du̇-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce duration (audio)
 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

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 Each tracker works differently, but many of them offer insight into sleep duration, the quality of sleep, and sleep stages entered throughout the night. Kristen Fischer, Health, 12 Mar. 2024 Factors such as the duration of the company’s operation and evidence of a positive track record were considered. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 In general, the duration of totality can range from a few seconds to over four minutes, with the maximum duration occurring near the center of the path. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Pregnancy and postpartum: Throughout pregnancy, women are at greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea and incontinence, both of which greatly impact sleep quality and duration. Barbara Rhoden, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 With more than 10,000 trucks involved in accidents annually and over 100 leading to fatal crashes, awareness about the claim process, liability, duration of settlement, and proving fault becomes crucial for residents. Kyle Russell, The Courier-Journal, 4 Mar. 2024 The lengthy flight duration, emotive movie plotlines, and a certain amount of anonymity is a sure-fire way to open the floodgates. Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 That's not stopping some well-heeled tech companies from trying to keep outdoing each other in showing off higher-quality AI video generation at longer durations. Matt O'Brien, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 Work Experience in Accounting Practical experience in accounting can significantly impact study duration. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'duration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near duration

Cite this Entry

“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duration. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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