DictionaryAI

duty

noun
DOO-tee/ˈduti/DYOO-tee/ˈdjuːti/

Pluralduties

8 meanings of duty

Practice

  1. 1
    job tasksnouncountable
    The things a person must do as part of their job or role.

    Her main duty at the store is checking the deliveries.

    Cleaning the kitchen is not one of my duties.

    UsageYou do or carry out your duties. When you are at work, you are on duty.

    Similarresponsibility, task, role, function, work

  2. 2
    obligationnouncountable or uncountable
    Something you must do because it is right or required by law.

    Like a promise you have to keep, even when it is hard.

    It is your duty to tell the truth in court.

    Caring for your children is a basic duty.

    UsageSay a duty to do something: a duty to help.

    Similarobligation, responsibility, commitment, onus

    Note
  3. 3
    at worknoununcountable
    The time when you are at work and doing your job.

    Like being the one in charge while it is your turn to work.

    The nurse is on duty until midnight.

    Firefighters must stay alert while on duty.

    UsageSay on duty (at work) and off duty (not at work).

    Similarservice, watch

  4. 4
    import taxnouncountable or uncountable
    A tax on certain goods or sales, especially on goods brought into or sent out of a country.

    Like an extra fee added when you bring something across a border.

    Travelers must pay a duty on expensive items bought abroad.

    The new duty raised the price of imported cars.

    UsageSay a duty on something: a duty on cars.

    Similartariff, tax, levy, excise

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of duty apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English duete, taken from Anglo-Norman dueté and built like dewe ("due") plus the ending -te.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts