expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the last emission of breath : death

b(1)

: the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : exhalation

(2)

: the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)

2

: the fact of coming to an end or the point at which something ends : termination

Synonyms

• demise
• termination
• death
• dissolution

Examples of expiration in a Sentence

one month after the expiration of the contract

directed that upon her expiration her splendid Italian-style villa be given to the public as a museum

Recent Examples on the Web

Adding to this pressure is the expiration of key healthcare subsidies at the end of the year. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025

With health insurance premiums projected to skyrocket at the end of the year thanks to the expiration of tax credits Democrats enacted during the pandemic, Republicans are likely to focus on paring back those federal subsidies. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Salesforce is dealing with challenges selling marketing and commerce products and slower growth in its expiration base, Robin Washington, the company’s president and chief operating and financial officer, said on a conference call with analysts. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

Exemptions apply to certain categories, including diplomatic and official visas (A, G, NATO classifications), as well as applicants renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visa or a Border Crossing Card within 12 months of expiration, provided specific conditions are met. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expiration

• expiration date

Rhymes for expiration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the expelling of air from the lungs in breathing

b

: air or vapor expelled from the lungs

2

: the fact of coming to an end

Medical Definition

expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a(1)

: the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : exhalation

(2)

: the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)

b

archaic : the last emission of breath : death

2

: something produced by breathing out