Definition of 'during'

Word Frequency

during

(djʊərɪŋ , US dʊrɪŋ )

1. preposition

If something happens during a period of time or an event, it happens continuously, or happens several times between the beginning and end of that period or event.

Sandstorms are common during the Saudi Arabian winter.

Plants need to be looked after and protected during bad weather.

Synonyms: throughout, through, in the course of, throughout the time of More Synonyms of during

2. preposition

If something develops during a period of time, it develops gradually from the beginning to the end of that period.

Wages have fallen by more than twenty percent during the past two months.

Industrial production has expanded during the last three decades.

3. preposition

An event that happens during a period of time happens at some point or moment in that period.

The attack is believed to have been carried out during the early morning hours.

During his visit, the Pope will also bless the new hospital.

Video: pronunciation of 'during'

Word Frequency

during in British

(ˈdjʊərɪŋ )

preposition

concurrently with (some other activity)

kindly don't sleep during my lectures!

within the limit of (a period of time)

during the day

Word origin of 'during'

C14: from duren to last, ultimately from Latin dūrāre to last

Word Frequency

during in American

(ˈdʊrɪŋ ; doorˈiŋ; ˈdjʊrɪŋ ; dyoorˈiŋ; ˈdɜrɪŋ ; dʉrˈiŋ)

preposition

throughout the entire time of; all through

food was scarce during the war

at some point in the entire time of; in the course of

he left during the lecture

Word origin of 'during'

ME duringe, prep., orig. prp. of duren, endure

Example sentences containing 'during'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

He was not helped by two expensive divorces and his habit during the good times of picking up the tab in restaurants. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The appliance enables end users to access cloud-based solutions during periods of internet downtime. Computing (2010)Inflation increased by 39 per cent during the same period. Times, Sunday Times (2016)If you need to exit during that time, you could face hefty early repayment charges. The Sun (2017)During the test period she lost 4lb. The Sun (2016)During that time all the big names in electro-pop have featured in the column. The Sun (2016)During the same period its management was heavily criticised for high salaries, bonuses and expensive perks. Computing (2010)A demand was sent to your address but you moved during this period. The Sun (2016)I would like to thank my friends and family who have stood by me during this difficult period. Times, Sunday Times (2016)He kicked the drugs and returned to the studio, this time being given the creative control he craved but lacked during his time at Syco. The Sun (2016)It is not your behaviour during good times but during bad times that counts. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Half of all students do paid work during term time. Times, Sunday Times (2008)It was during this time that he resolved to pack in this teaching nonsense and be an artist. Times, Sunday Times (2010)During that time her health has declined due to muscular and skeletal problems resulting from her own thalidomide disabilities. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Offers to drive came from many quarters during a period when there was no shortage of wealthy sports car owners. Times, Sunday Times (2012)During that time he raised his $40 million. Times, Sunday Times (2011)During the fasting period at night, the body takes care of itself. Lutzner, Dr Helmut Successful Fasting -the easy way to cleanse your body of its poisons (1990)All this during a period when inflation has been running at 3 per cent per annum. Times, Sunday Times (2010)During her time on The Apprentice she came across as divisive and argumentative. The Sun (2014)Their naked bodies were found during a ten-day period last December. The Sun (2007)The budget for the Home Office has been frozen and will rise only by inflation during that period. Times, Sunday Times (2006)It's probably just as well that she waited, because there are times during her strangely shaped career when she might have ruined it. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Searching through dusty boxes, I found a framed photograph that a friend gave me during a difficult period in my life. Times, Sunday Times (2007)During this time, I have been careful to use the normal ways of listening to people and getting feedback about my preaching. Christianity Today (2000)