expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən 

1

a

: a journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose

b

: the group of persons making such a journey

2

: efficient promptness : speed

3

: a sending or setting forth

expeditioner

ˌek-spə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

Synonyms

• journey
• passage
• peregrination
• travel(s)
• trek
• trip

Choose the Right Synonym for expedition

haste, hurry, speed, expedition, dispatch mean quickness in movement or action.

haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

expedition and dispatch both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but expedition stresses ease or efficiency of performance and dispatch stresses promptness in concluding matters.

the case came to trial with expedition

paid bills with dispatch

Examples of expedition in a Sentence

a scientific expedition to Antarctica

an avid mountain climber, always on an expedition to some far-off corner of the world

Recent Examples on the Web

His granddaughter, Alexandra Shackleton, was a patron of the expedition and said that finding the shipwreck during such a memorable anniversary has made its discovery all the more meaningful. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 12 June 2024

Quest carries not only the history of his voyages, but potentially artifacts from expeditions that continued until 1962, when the vessel sank, experts say. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 12 June 2024

Sitting in the shadow of the Himalayas, the valley is a hotspot of biodiversity, and a scientific team accompanying the military expedition cataloged the unique species that call the valley home. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 June 2024

Guiding and guarding this expedition team are samurai with their own goals, who get thrown into chaos as the island reveals itself to have mystical creatures and antagonists roaming its verdant expanse. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expedition

• fishing expedition

Kids Definition

expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən 

1

a

: a journey or trip undertaken for a specific purpose (as war or exploring)

b

: a group making such a journey

2

: prompt handling of what needs to be done

expeditioner

-ˈdish-(ə-)nər 

noun