From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishduringdur‧ing /ˈdjʊərɪŋ $ ˈdʊr-/ ●●● S1 W1 preposition 1 DURINGfrom the beginning to the end of a period of time During the summer she worked as a lifeguard. He slept calmly during the early part of the night. Foxes remain hidden during the day.2 PERIOD OF TIMEat some point in a period of time My father was killed during the war. I mentioned the subject during our discussions at her Washington office. ► Don’t say ‘during doing something’ or ‘during someone does something’. Use while: They chatted while waiting for the train (NOT during waiting for the train). | He stole her money while she slept (NOT during she slept).THESAURUSduring at one point in a period of time, or through the whole of a period of timeDid you hear the storm during the night?During the summer we spend a lot more time out of doors.all through (also throughout) /ɔːl ˈθruː, θruːˈaʊt/ during all of a period of timeThe cafe’s closed all through the winter and opens again in April.Throughout her career she has worked hard and achieved the highest standards.over at one point or at various different points during a period of timeI’m going to redecorate my bedroom over the holidays.She’s been a great help to me over the past year.in the course of something formal during a particular process or period of timeIn the course of the study we consulted with leading experts in global warming.Many factors control the rise and fall of a species in the course of evolution.There was huge social change in the course of the 1960s.within during a period of time, or before the end of a period – used when you want to emphasize that it is a short or limited periodThere have been five serious accidents within the last few days.Payment must be made within 30 days.If we are inviting you for an interview, you will receive a letter within 14 days.
Examples from the Corpus
during• There are always significant traffic problems during commuting hours.• There will be six meetings during the college's winter quarter.• Terry's work has improved a lot during the last three months.• Henry died during the night.• During the second week in December, the jobless rate fell by two percent.• During the summer, she worked as a lifeguard.• During the summer we spend a lot more time out of doors.• This place was an air-raid shelter during the war.• At some time during the weekend someone broke into the building.Origin during (1300-1400) dure “to continue in existence” ((13-19 centuries)), from Old French durer, from Latin durare 