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.
Holding an election during the war would be unlawful and Ukraine would need security guarantees to allow for safe voting, Zelenskyy added. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026 Yuriy Ryzhenkov is that rare individual—a chief executive who has led his firm of 33,700 people during a never-ending war. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026 Gillis also dropped the f-bomb during his hosting stint on Saturday, a big faux pas for live television. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Officials are also continuing to monitor coastal homes that were red- and yellow-tagged during the weekend onslaught. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“During.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/during. Accessed 14 Oct. 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
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