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Added 7 October 2026

duty

/ˈdjuː.ti/ noun

In Latin: dēbitum, iūs, mūnus Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about duty at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

That which one is morally or legally obligated to do.
Do your duty by me! -No, we don't have a duty to keep you abreast.
The state of being at work and responsible for or doing a particular task.
I’m on duty from 6 pm to 6 am.
An excise tax; especially, one on imports or exports.
customs duty

Origin

From Middle English duete, from Middle English dewe + Middle English -te. Equivalent to due + -ty.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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