expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce expedition (audio)
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 noun
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 Built for extended expeditions, the Dreamer is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system comprised of two Cummins engines, one electric motor, and 10 directional thrusters. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2024 Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States all deploy military assets and personnel on Antarctic research expeditions. Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 The expedition would have involved entering the Titanic and cutting into it. CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 In Wrangell, sign up for Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography, joining the expedition team bear expert and a photography specialist for this rousing small-group bear-viewing experience. Janice Wald Henderson, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2024 The discoveries were made during an expedition near Host — a small Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea — in September, according to a Feb. 28 news release from Seamagination, a marine research organization. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Last month, Sanon was charged with the others for the first time with conspiring to kill Haiti’s leader, after first being accused of trying to carry out a military expedition against a foreign country. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 This works in part because a Costco trip is more of an expedition than a quick supermarket or drugstore run. Roger Dooley, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The naval officer also commanded an expedition that helped to make an early estimate of the sheer scale of our solar system. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expedition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of expedition was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near expedition

Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expedition. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

expedition

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce expedition (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expedition

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