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 of expedition

• trip
• journey
• trek
• excursion

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

The brand reinterpreted the Karakorum, Verone, Himalaya and Tibb jackets, paying tribute to its history, alpine culture and commitment to outfitting expeditions. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

The 17-person expedition team arrived off Nikumaroro on Monday evening after a five-day voyage across the Pacific, going ashore the following morning to begin investigating clues that could help solve Earhart's disappearance. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Her solution is Captain Arctic, a one-of-a-kind 36-passenger expedition ship built to harness wind and sunlight while reducing energy needs. — Ashlea Halpern, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Members of the expedition are searching a lagoon off the coast of Nikumaroro. — Lana Zak, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing expedition

• fishing expedition

Rhymes for expedition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

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