during

preposition

dur·ing ˈdu̇r-iŋ

also ˈdyu̇r-

Synonyms of during

: throughout the duration of

swims every day during the summer

: 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.

While traveling with then-President Ronald Reagan in 1981, White House press secretary James Brady was shot during an assassination attempt on the president. — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 Several lawmakers tried to crack down on immigration during the 2026 legislative session, but all but one bill failed to cross the finish line. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026 Russian electronic warfare may have diverted the drone during a Ukrainian operation against legitimate military targets in Russia, ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said in a statement. — Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026 Police said a dark Chevrolet pickup drove onto a field during a youth soccer game and struck children and adults. — Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 19 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

duricrust

during

durio

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“During.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/during. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

during

preposition

dur·ing ˌd(y)u̇r-iŋ

: throughout the course of

swims every day during the summer

: at some time in the course of

you may call me during the day

during

preposition

Synonyms of during

Examples of during in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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during

preposition

Synonyms of during

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Word History

Rhymes for during

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Kids Definition

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