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

Under the City Charter, those commissioners have the power to remove the police chief at any time prior to the expiration of the chief’s term. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Because these promotions are awarded in site credits rather than cash, be sure to review playthrough requirements, minimum odds, and expiration windows before claiming. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Because of that exposure, consider closing or rolling the trade before expiration rather than holding it into settlement. — Julia Spina, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Electric vehicles accounted for just under 10% of US new car sales last year, and sales have faced difficulty following the expiration of a federal tax credit for EV buyers. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 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