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 Artemis 2 astronauts won't be landing, but will instead circle the moon on a 10-day trip to test systems and hardware for future expeditions to the surface. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026

Most expedition cruise ships in Antarctic waters, like Scenic Eclipse II, have a PC 6 rating, including Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, Silversea’s Silver Endeavour, Seabourn Venture, HX Expedition’s MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, and Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026

Guests can join him on foraging expeditions and in nutrition workshops. —Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026

Nicholas' diary, which contained a record of the fateful expedition, was recovered, however — from a shelter at 8,400 feet on the mountain. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 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