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.

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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

Example Sentences

This means you won’t receive as large a refund during tax season, but having consistently higher paychecks can help you chip away at that $30,000.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Around 130 ships a day passed through the traditional route at the center of the strait during peacetime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

When people gain weight during life can play a major role in their health decades later.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

Earlier this year, a farmer who opposed a proposal in Oklahoma was arrested for tresspassing after he spoke slightly longer than three minutes during public comment at a council meeting.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

“Be quick in the kitchen; I don’t want you falling asleep during training tomorrow.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin