expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce expedition (audio)
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 noun
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s about one-third the length of the speediest Everest expeditions currently offered by guiding companies. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 31 Mar. 2025 The expedition was broadcast live on the Discovery Channel. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 The expedition will take place in between Perry’s rehearsals for the Lifetimes Tour and the trek’s kickoff in Mexico City April 23. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2025 Much of what is known about the bat has been learned from studying museum specimens, so scientists launched a field expedition to fill in some of the knowledge gaps about the species, according to a study published March 19 in the journal Check List. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedition

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of expedition was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expedition. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

expedition

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce expedition (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expedition

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