during

preposition

dur·​ing ˈdu̇r-iŋ How to pronounce during (audio)
also ˈdyu̇r-
Synonyms of duringnext
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 of during

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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.
Bright light or grow lights are essential for keeping indoor cuttings healthy and thriving during shorter days. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 The team announced the injury during the game and said Lombard was leaving Yankee Stadium for imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The failures resulted in a divorce during the offseason and this exhibition game at Hard Rock Stadium was the first time the couple happened to be at the same place at the same time since the split. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for during

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Browse Nearby Words

duricrust
during
durio
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“During.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/during. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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