duty
DYOO-tee
Duty (noun) means something a person is morally or legally obligated to do. Example: “Jurors have a civic duty to listen carefully to all the evidence.”
noun
1
Something a person is morally or legally obligated to do.
"Jurors have a civic duty to listen carefully to all the evidence."
"It's a nurse's duty to care for every patient equally."
"He felt it was his duty to report the accident."
2
A tax charged on goods, especially imports.
"Import duty makes some foreign cars much more expensive to buy."
"The airport shop sells perfume without duty, so it costs less there."
"They had to pay duty on the wine brought back from France."
3
The period during which someone is actively working or on call.
"Her duty starts at six, so she leaves the house before dawn."
"Doctors on night duty are allowed to rest between calls."
"The guard was on duty all night."
How to use duty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn obligation you're expected to fulfil, a tax on goods, or being actively at work.
Common pairings
on duty
off duty
sense of duty
import duty
call of duty
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Word forms
- Plural
- duties
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Jurors have a civic _____ to listen carefully to all the evidence.
Etymology
From Middle English duete, ultimately from "due" — something owed — plus the noun-forming ending "-ty."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
duty-free
right
Related words
Rhymes for duty
See all rhymes for duty →Frequently asked questions
What does “duty” mean?
The word “duty” means something a person is morally or legally obligated to do. In plain terms, an obligation you're expected to fulfil, a tax on goods, or being actively at work.
How do you pronounce “duty”?
“Duty” is pronounced DYOO-tee (/ˈdjuː.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “duty” in a sentence?
Here is “duty” used in a sentence: “It's a nurse's duty to care for every patient equally.”
What is the opposite of “duty”?
The opposite of “duty” — its antonyms — are duty-free and right.
What part of speech is “duty”?
“Duty” is a noun.
Where does the word “duty” come from?
The word “duty” comes from Middle English. From Middle English duete, ultimately from "due" — something owed — plus the noun-forming ending "-ty.".
Is “duty” a common word?
“Duty” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “duty” have?
“Duty” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something a person is morally or legally obligated to do.
What is the difference between duty and responsibility?
A duty is something you are morally or legally obliged to do, often fixed by a role, law, or code. A responsibility is something you are accountable for, which can be broader and sometimes chosen. Duties tend to be specific obligations; responsibilities cover the wider things you are answerable for and expected to manage.
What is the difference between duty and obligation?
The two are close in meaning. An obligation is anything you are bound to do, whether a one-off commitment or a legal requirement. A duty is usually a deeper, ongoing obligation tied to morality or a role, such as a duty of care. Every duty is an obligation, but not every obligation feels like a duty.
What are the types of duty?
Duties are often split into moral duties, which conscience or ethics demand, and legal duties, which the law enforces. Civic duties, such as obeying laws or serving on a jury, fall under this too. In a workplace, 'duties' also means the specific tasks a role requires you to carry out.
What does it mean to be 'on duty'?
Being on duty means you are actively at work or assigned to a particular task, ready to act — as with a doctor, officer, or lifeguard on shift. The opposite, off duty, means you are not currently working. Here 'duty' refers to an assigned period of responsibility rather than a moral obligation.
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