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

• demise
• termination
• death
• dissolution

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

To that point, GAO has ruled that an ICA violation occurs if a rescission package is sent late in the fiscal year and funds are not released in a manner allowing for their prudent obligation before expiration. —Doug Criscitello, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The full-back becomes Palace’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Argentinian international goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free transfer following the expiration of his PSV Eindhoven contract. —Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 11 July 2025

The letters were posted on Truth Social after the expiration of a 90-day negotiating period with a baseline levy of 10%. —Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025

Maximum Risk: $1,199 per contract if TMUS is above $255 at expiration. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 9 July 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