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

• death
• demise
• expiry
• termination

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

Collection activity is resuming for the first time in roughly five years after the expiration of pandemic-era relief, and a new repayment plan, called SAVE, that millions had enrolled in is now blocked by the courts. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025

The family overstayed its tourist visa and lived in the country without proper documents for a time, then obtained green cards within a year of the expiration. —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025

It can also be viewed inside the details of a specific password entry, with any containing a verification code including the expiration timer, 9to5Mac writes. —Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

The Broncos have handed multiyear contract extensions to three of Paton’s draft picks before the expiration of their rookie deals: Meinerz, Cooper and cornerback Pat Surtain II, the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 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