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

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.
Paul and Mortensen had been under investigation by both the Draper City Police Department and West Jordan Police Department regarding a series of allegations each made that the other had acted violently during altercations in February, as well as an incident that took place in 2024. Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 In perhaps the most striking example of learning during sleep, Konkoly, Paller, and several collaborators witnessed what amounted to conversations with people who were in the midst of dreams. Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026 Procter & Gamble, the maker of such household products as Crest toothpaste, Tide detergent and Charmin toilet paper, estimated last week the war could cause a $1 billion hit to profits during its next fiscal year if Brent crude were to stay around $100 per barrel. Mae Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 The aqueous action scenes — cascades of water swirling around aerial charges — should play out nicely on the big screen during the film’s theatrical release. Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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