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

Certainly, the campaign features images of many challenging situations, from ice climbing in the Alps to an expedition in Antarctica. —Evan Clark, WWD, 10 Sep. 2024

Its many functions will relieve professional divers of some of the cleanup expedition’s most perilous tasks. —Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024

With the rise of expedition yachting in remote destinations such as Antarctica, Greenland, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, there’s a general belief that all corners of the globe are now accessible by private yacht charter. —Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2024

The National Science Foundation has created a committee to consider what capabilities a new drilling ship should have, and Congress may provide funding for additional JR expeditions in 2025. —Suzanne Oconnell, The Conversation, 3 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