duration

[doo-rey-shuhn, dyoo-]

noun

1. the length of time something continues or exists (often used withthe ).

2. continuance in time.

3. (in the philosophy of Bergson) a temporal continuum, intuitively known, within which the élan vital operates.

duration

/ djʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the length of time that something lasts or continues

Other Word Forms

• durational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of duration¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dūrātiōn-, stem of dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāt(us) “lasted” (past participle of dūrāre “to last”; dure ² ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of duration¹

C14: from Medieval Latin dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāre to last

Example Sentences

Its effective duration is just under three years, far shorter than the category average of about five.

Read more on Barron's

Judge Fred W. Slaughter agreed, ordering that the injunction remain in place for the duration of the lawsuit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Grocery stores will be particularly hard hit, Shaefer says, noting the extent of the impact will depend on the duration of the shutdown.

Read more on Barron's

In effect, those payments - which totalled around £8m - meant he was buying himself out of future rent obligations for the duration of the 75-year lease.

Read more on BBC

Known affectionately as "Heb Isles", the ferry was retired from service last November due to the high cost and duration of repairs needed to renew expiring safety certificates.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• continuation 
• extent 
• period 
• span