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

• death
• demise
• expiry
• termination

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

Three or more accidents within the three years before expiration. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025

The threat of expiration at the end of this year led many families to gift millions of dollars to their kids to take advantage of the exemption (which also applies to the gift tax). —Robert Frank, CNBC, 16 May 2025

Legal battles over Trump-era spending and regulatory authority will extend well beyond DOGE’s July 2026 expiration. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Look for the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) listed by the expiration or use-by date to ensure the product delivers viable bacteria throughout its shelf life. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, 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