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

My transatlantic repositioning cruise was on a tiny expedition ship, which meant that the focus of our programming was education and adventure, so our sea days were filled with lectures and wildlife spotting — and plenty of time for contemplation. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2024

Exploring a remote Arctic research settlement with guards armed for unexpected—yet possible—polar bear encounters, cruising past towering glaciers, and hiking remote mountain trails are typically the domain of small expedition cruises. —David Nikel, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Earlier this month, striking new images from a recent expedition to the Titanic wreckage show the decay on the iconic ship's bow with a large section of railing now on the sea floor, as well as the discovery of a bronze statue from the ship that was feared lost forever. —CBS News, 17 Sep. 2024

The expeditions through the Northwest Passage evoke the triumphs and tragedies of the intrepid men who explored this historic route. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 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