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 of expiration

• 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

On top of changes to Medicaid, the recent expiration of enhanced tax credits that heavily subsidized the cost of health insurance sold through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, will add to the country’s uninsured numbers In coming years. —Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

Note that all bonus bets carry a strict 7-day expiration window, so deploying them efficiently while the schedule is dense is a good recipe for success. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

If plans move forward, construction on the new arena is expected to take about 30 months, with a target opening by the end of 2031, aligning with the expiration of the team's current lease. —Erin Jones, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

The expiration of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players union in December has turned the possibility — or even the given — of a work stoppage next offseason into the proverbial elephant in the clubhouse. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, 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