during

American  

[door-ing, dyoor-] / ˈdʊər ɪŋ, ˈdjʊər- /

preposition

1. throughout the duration, continuance, or existence of.

   He lived in Florida during the winter.

2. at some time or point in the course of.

   They departed during the night.

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during British  

/ ˈdjʊərɪŋ /

preposition

1. concurrently with (some other activity)

   kindly don't sleep during my lectures!

2. within the limit of (a period of time)

   during the day

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Usage

What does during mean? During means throughout the entire time or at a certain point in time when something was happening. During is a preposition, which is a type of word used before a noun or pronoun to relate it to another part of the sentence, especially to express a relationship based on space or time. During expresses a relationship based on time—it indicates that something happened not before or after something else, but at the same time. It can mean that something occurred continuously while something else was happening, as in We stayed inside during the storm. Or it can mean that something occurred at a certain time or times while something else was happening, as in I only left the house once during the storm. When used in a sentence, during is usually followed by a noun or pronoun that indicates the time frame or event in which the action has taken place, as in during our vacation or during Spanish class or during the game. Example: I hate how hot it gets during the summer.

Etymology

Origin of during

First recorded in 1350–1400; dure ² + -ing ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

during

The fires are being fanned by the Santa Ana winds, which normally begin during cooler months from late September to May.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

Talarico pointed out that he had participated in campaign events via videoconference while suffering from the flu and also attended a concert in Dallas during the time in question.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

The early shove has been part of a longstanding, informal practice to allow air-traffic staff to leave early during less-busy times.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

She encouraged residents to take care of their neighbors during increased raid activity by offering rides to those afraid to drive or use public transit, delivering groceries or walking their neighbors’ children to school.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

After reading about Joey’s bravery during the war and her arrival in the US, he’s inspired to start a fund drive called Joey’s International Leprosy Fund.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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