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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It was filmed over five years and 180 expeditions and premiered on NBC in February. Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 The probes completed that portion of their respective journeys by 1989, after which NASA retooled their mission as an interstellar expedition – meaning one journeying beyond our solar system further into the Milky Way. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 The 15-year-old achieved the recognition as a STEM Star with more than 430 hours of public service, 420 hours of personal development, 620 hours of physical fitness, and an expedition. Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025 This summer, a first-of-its-kind global research expedition followed up on that surprise. Rodrique Ngowi, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedition

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

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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expedition. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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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