expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan(t)-shən 

1

: expanse

2

: the act or process of expanding

territorial expansion

economic expansion

expansion of the universe

3

: the quality or state of being expanded

4

: the increase in volume of working fluid (such as steam) in an engine cylinder after cutoff or in an internal combustion engine after explosion

5

a

: an expanded part

b

: something that results from an act of expanding

the book is an expansion of a lecture series

6

: the result of carrying out an indicated mathematical operation : the expression of a function in the form of a series

expansional

ik-ˈspan(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• accretion
• accrual
• addendum
• addition
• augmentation
• boost
• gain
• increase
• increment
• more
• plus
• proliferation
• raise
• rise
• step-up
• supplement
• uptick

Examples of expansion in a Sentence

The league is undergoing expansion.

the expansion of a lecture series into a book

This book is an expansion of a lecture series.

Recent Examples on the Web

The company's early success and ambitious expansion plans suggest that there is indeed a significant market for solutions that prioritize the patient experience. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

The joint venture was finalized with Ascension as Henry Ford is in the midst of a major expansion of its own. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 1 Oct. 2024

Such an admission must be particularly galling for the company in light of its arch rival, Universal Studios, building a massive theme park expansion called Epic Universe just a few miles away from Kissimmee, Florida, where Walt Disney World parks and resorts are located. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2024

He’s been pushing the firm to consider strategic opportunities such as mergers and acquisitions of smaller cybersecurity players to boost the company’s market expansion and stimulate industry consolidation. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expansion

• expansion card
• expansion slot

Kids Definition

expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan-chən 

1

: the act of expanding

2

: the state of being expanded

3

: something expanded or a result of expanding

4

: the result of carrying out indicated mathematical operations

the expansion of (a + b)² is a² + 2ab + b²

Medical Definition

expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan-chən 

1

: the act or process of expanding

2

: the quality or state of being expanded