during

American  

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

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.

---

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

---

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

Example Sentences

“Sometimes, they like to bring back the greatest hits,” Saluzzi told MarketWatch during an interview on Monday.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

The small fall in Apple shares premarket suggests investors await more detail on Cook’s departure during Apple’s next earnings call later this month, she adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Locals had said the statue was on a crucifix outside a family home on the edge of Debel, one of the few villages where residents have remained during Israel's war with Hezbollah.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The compound works by binding to the cytochrome bd complex, a protein system that bacteria rely on for respiration and survival during infection.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Everything was a blur during the rest of gym class.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott